Level

Descriptor

Level 5

Complete proficiency 

The person is a skillful user of Māori language and should have the linguistic flexibility to enter easily into a range of culturally bound settings. The user should have an excellent command of communicative strategies, grammar, vocabulary and idiomatic language that enables the person to use the language spontaneously, fluently, and appropriately in a range of situations. The user should be able to convey all of their thoughts, opinions, and emotions clearly and appropriately in Māori according to whom they are interacting with and the context of the interaction. The user is normally familiar with many dialectal variations and can participate appropriately and effectively in interactions with other very competent users of Māori. It is expected that the user is able to speak precisely and specifically about complex and abstract issues including some very specialist topics. When conversing in Māori, the user will very rarely, if ever need to switch to English, even when there has been a breakdown in communication.

Level 4

Higher proficiency 

The person should be able to communicate easily, confidently and spontaneously in almost all everyday situations. A good command of grammar, vocabulary and idiomatic language will enable the person to interact in a sustained manner, rarely having to switch to English or use English terms. The user usually has some specialised Māori language skills, which enables them to participate appropriately in a range of social and professional settings and discuss a range of specialist topics including some that they are less familiar with. Their Māori language ability enables the person to discuss quite complex issues, particularly related to things they know a lot about. At this level a Māori language user makes very few errors.

Level 3

Moderate proficiency 

The person should be able to participate easily and effectively in uncomplicated communicative tasks. They are able to initiate and sustain spontaneous interaction with fluent speakers in straightforward discussions and can do most everyday things effectively in Māori. At this level it is expected that the person can use Māori effectively in the workplace for many tasks and discuss issues related to their own field of specialisation. The user can communicate effectively in many formal and informal situations, but at times they have to use simple language to convey their thoughts. Some errors may still be evident in the language of a person at this level.

Level 2

Basic conversational proficiency

The person should be able to use Māori language successfully to meet basic social needs. Using simple language, they are able to participate effectively in many everyday situations. The range of language of a level 2 user is limited but it is expected that the person has sufficient communicative strategies to enable them to interact effectively in predictable settings, particularly about concrete subjects. Although they make quite a few errors and often have to think hard about how to say things, a user at this level can usually make themselves understood.

Level 1

Basic routine language 

The person should be able to communicate at a basic level about a limited range of topics. They can use Māori language to meet their basic survival needs. The language used will be limited to short, simple utterances for carrying out routine tasks. At this level, errors occur frequently and production of language is usually slow and unnatural. When speaking, users at this level normally have to think hard about how to say things, even at a fairly basic level. Frequent communication breakdowns occur when attempting to interact with a fluent speaker. A person at level 1 is not sure that they can make themselves understood.