Oral Proficiency Levels: Summary Table
| Descriptor | Overall Description | Grammar | Vocabulary | Pronuciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerging Proficiency | Learners who are just beginning to grasp the basics of the language. They may be able to understand and produce simple phrases and sentences, but their language use is limited and basic. | Basic Sentence Structures | Common general vocabulary for daily life activities | Pronunciation often interfere with communication with the exception of heritage language speakers. |
| Conversational Proficiency | Intermediate learners who have moved beyond basic vocabulary and grammar structures and are able to engage in simple conversations. They can express themselves with some fluency in everyday situations and understand a range of topics discussed in the language. | Complex Sentence Structures | General vocabulary about a wider range of topics | Pronunciation may interfere with communication. |
| Storytelling Proficiency | Advanced learners who are capable of more complex language use, including narrating stories or events and providing detailed descriptions. They have a broader vocabulary and can handle more nuanced language tasks. | Paragraph Structure | Specific vocabulary for narration and description | Pronunciation rarely interfere with communication. |
| Professional Proficiency | Proficient learners who can engage in discussions at a higher level of complexity, including abstract topics, professional settings, and academic discourse. They have a strong command of the language and can express themselves effectively in a variety of contexts. | Extended Discourse | Formal, professional vocabulary | Pronunciation does not interfere with communication. |
Detailed tables for specific language skills, along with sample lessons,
will be accessible exclusively to members.
We’re building a searchable database of Cantonese learning and teaching resources for our members.
Please click here for a sample.
We have a large array of resources across our three platforms.
Hong Kong Movies
Storytelling Proficiency
Cantopop
Storytelling Proficiency
Vlog
Conversational Proficiency
Cantonese Alliance
For All Levels, e.g., Cantonese apps, input methods, and dictionaries
Conversational Proficiency
Discord:
For All Levels, e.g., chat rooms, Chinatowns, food, and Cantonese linguistics
Reading and Writing
From Emerging to Storytelling Proficiencies
We are committed to continually adding new resources to better serve the needs of the Cantonese community.
Hong Kong Movie Blog
Storytelling Profiency
Comics & TV Dramas
Conversational to Storytelling Proficiencies