Staff Guide to Aberystwyth University’s revised Welsh Language Levels
Introduction
These revised Welsh language levels replace the current system of Welsh standards and levels. In the table below the new levels are mapped against the old levels and standards to enable comparison with the previous system.
The revised Welsh Language Levels are used to record the Welsh language skills of staff (i.e. ‘competencies’ on the PoblAberPeople system) and are also used to describe the Welsh language requirements of posts.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
The levels used by Aberystwyth University correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which is widely used in Europe but also on other continents and is available in over 40 languages including Welsh. Welsh for Adults qualifications were mapped to the Framework in 2014.
The CEFR describes language proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2, B1 and B2, C1 and C2. Aberystwyth University has added a seventh level: A0, to denote the requirement for ‘the ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually’.
Recording the Welsh language skills of staff
Staff are required to self-assess their Welsh language skills using the ‘can do’ statements below. Only the skills of speaking (interaction and production)[1] and writing are assessed. It is possible to record different levels for both skills e.g. a fluent Welsh speaker who is not confident in writing in Welsh can reflect this by choosing one level for their oral ability and a lower level for their writing ability. The language levels previously recorded by members of staff on PoblAberPeople will be transferred to the revised levels. It is possible for staff to access their records to verify and revise their language levels if necessary.
Using Welsh language requirements in advertisements for posts
Level A0 should be used in instances where it is deemed that no Welsh language skills are required. Any post which is front facing and in regular contact with the public as defined by the Welsh Language Scheme should be within the range of A1 to C2. (For academic posts see below)
The “public” refers to current students, staff, prospective students in Wales and the general public in Wales.
If an academic post is for teaching through the medium of English only then the post should be at level A0.
If an academic post includes teaching through the medium of Welsh then the post should be at level C2.
In instances where a fluent Welsh speaker is required it is suggested that level C2 should be required for academic posts and for posts at grade 6 and above. Otherwise level C1 may be more appropriate.
If writing skills are not necessary it is possible to request oral skills only.
Posts requiring Welsh language skills at levels A1 to B1 should include a clause to the effect that those willing to learn to this level may also apply. When assessing candidates that are Welsh speaking against non-Welsh speakers who are willing to learn, the following scoring should be used :
· 4 Has provided evidence of having used the Welsh language extensively e.g. in the workplace
· 3 Meets the Welsh language level
· 2 Has provided evidence of willingness to meet the Welsh language level
· 1 Has not provided sufficient evidence
· 0 Has not provided any evidence
In order for applicants to realise that they must provide evidence of their willingness to learn Welsh, if necessary, it is recommended that the following sentence is used in job advertisements :
The ability to operate at Level A1/A2/B1 or evidence to demonstrate an on-going commitment to learn Welsh to this level.
The ‘Can Do’ Statements
The ‘can do’ statements are descriptors which are used for self-assessment by staff and can also be used by prospective candidates for posts to help them decide whether or not they have the required level of Welsh language skills. The statements are also used as a guide to deciding on the levels of Welsh language skills required for a particular post.
Aberystwyth University’s revised Welsh Language Levels
Based on the descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Revised AU Language Level / Previous AU language level / Previous AU language ‘standard’ / Welsh for Adults Levels / WJEC School Examination Qualification[2] / Speaking (interaction and production)[3] / Writing /A0 / 0 / A / - / - / I can not speak Welsh at all. / I understand the bilingual nature of the University and have an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually. / I can not write Welsh at all.
A1 / 1 / - / Entry / - / I can :
· interact in a simple way provided the other person is willing to speak slowly, repeat or rephrase things, as well as being willing to help me
· use basic expressions and phrases, e.g. introduce myself or another person,
· ask and answer questions on familiar topics e.g. ‘Where do you live?’. / I can :
· write a short simple message as an email or note, including the time, date and place.
· fill in forms with personal details, e.g. name, address and telephone number.
A2 / - / - / Foundation / GCSE 2nd language / I can:
· communicate in simple Welsh on familiar topics.
· contribute to very short social conversations, even though I can’t, usually, keep the conversation going myself.
· use a series of phrases to describe and answer questions on my family and other people, the weather.
· convey instructions or very simple telephone messages. / I can:
· write short simple notes and messages, connecting together simple phrases with simple connecting words such as 'and', 'but' and 'because'.
· write a very simple letter or email, e.g. thanking someone for doing something.
B1 / 2 / B (oral),
C,
Ch (oral) / Intermediate / GCSE / I can:
· take advantage of a range of simple language to deal with most situations which are likely to arise in my work.
· understand the general meaning of emails and letters on topics of personal interest, as well as theoretical letters within the context of my work.
· enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events.
· offer advice on simple matters to clients within the context of my work.
· describe experiences and events, hopes and ambitions.
· give reasons and explanations for my opinions and plans concisely / I can:
· take fairly accurate notes in meetings or seminars where the subject is familiar and foreseeable.
· write letters or emails to describe events, experiences and impressions
· write memoranda or informal emails to convey information.
B2 / 3 / D (oral)
E
Ch (written) / Higher 1 / AS level 2nd language / I can :
· listen to, understand and contribute to discussions in meetings and seminars.
· take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts.
· clearly express an opinion.
· present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to work
· expand and support ideas with supplementary points and relevant examples.
· explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
· give a clear presentation on familiar topics. / I can:
· write short pieces of business correspondence, as a letter or email, on a wide range of topics related to my work or my field of interest, and this in standard Welsh without using a template (but using a spellchecker, dictionary, technical resources etc. when necessary).
· take notes or write reports, passing on information or giving reasons in support or against a particular point of view.
C1 / - / - / Higher 2 / A-level 2nd language / I can :
· express myself fluently and unprompted.
· use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes, and contribute confidently to meetings and oral presentations.
· formulate ideas and opinions, and ensure that my contributions are relevant to others.
· respond appropriately to different cultural and social situations.
· present clear detailed descriptions of complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. / I can:
· write clear well-structured texts, expressing points of view at some length.
· write detailed explanations of complex subjects in the form of email, letter, essay or report, underlining the salient issues.
· write different types of texts in styles that are appropriate to the reader in mind.
C2 / - / - / Fluency / I can:
· understand reports and articles I come across in my work, including complex ideas expressed in complex language.
· take part effortlessly in any discussion.
· express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely.
· If I do have a problem I can revise and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.
· advise on complex, difficult and contentious matters such as financial or legal matters, to the extent that my specialised knowledge allows me
· present descriptions or arguments well, smoothly and clearly, in the appropriate register and context, and with a logical and effective structure which helps to draw the listeners’ attention to relevant points. / I can :
· take full and accurate notes and continue to take part in meetings and seminars.
· write well-structured and smoothly flowing texts in the appropriate register.
· write complex technical reports or articles which helps the recipients to notice significant points.
· write reviews of professional and/or literary works.
[1] ‘Interaction’ is responding and understanding while speaking, ‘production’ is speaking without any prompts and not necessarily as part of a conversation.
[2] Awaiting confirmation that they are at the correct level
[3] ‘Interaction’ is responding and understanding while speaking, ‘production’ is speaking without any prompts and not necessarily as part of a conversation.