I think it’s problematic to draw a distinct line as there are so many different levels of proficiency in language, even between native speakers. When someone says “language” it includes so much, grammar, writing, spelling, prononciation, clarity, etc. One might be good at any number of these and bad at some too. Proficiency in ones native tongue is not set too. As an adult I’ve improved my writing and even my pronunciation. I mention that as I don’t think there is a great divide between a language learned as a child and as an adult. The difference is a child can learn it all for free. We don’t have that now and must put in the work. In most cases it’s not worth perfecting a second language, it’s an accent, it’s understandable. But native proficiency is still possible, an accent’s not ok for a spy, but I don’t have 9-5 to learn a language so I will have an accent.
If you were to draw a line in the sand for knowing languages I think it have to be based on how successfully one can communicate as otherwise it’s just too subjective. I’d say use the CEFR scale and consider c1/c2 “knowing the language”
styblemartinov t1_j4in09e wrote
Reply to What it means to “know” a language by thenousman
I think it’s problematic to draw a distinct line as there are so many different levels of proficiency in language, even between native speakers. When someone says “language” it includes so much, grammar, writing, spelling, prononciation, clarity, etc. One might be good at any number of these and bad at some too. Proficiency in ones native tongue is not set too. As an adult I’ve improved my writing and even my pronunciation. I mention that as I don’t think there is a great divide between a language learned as a child and as an adult. The difference is a child can learn it all for free. We don’t have that now and must put in the work. In most cases it’s not worth perfecting a second language, it’s an accent, it’s understandable. But native proficiency is still possible, an accent’s not ok for a spy, but I don’t have 9-5 to learn a language so I will have an accent.
If you were to draw a line in the sand for knowing languages I think it have to be based on how successfully one can communicate as otherwise it’s just too subjective. I’d say use the CEFR scale and consider c1/c2 “knowing the language”