Sorry I missed this post. I am glad I gave up with the UK many years ago.
That is correct, but B1 is not that demanding. You will be surprised what you can get away with. Like ending sentences with preparations. 
1 Like
Or indeed, prepositions!
3 Likes
Unless you’re a chemist.
3 Likes
Correct. Is not daily sex great? Oh sorry dyslexia.
That made me laugh. 
Many times I have had my dyslexic errors pointed out but when it comes to me correcting other’s mathematics and science errors it is another story. Particularly with the British it appears poor math and science appears to be a rite of passage.
1 Like
In addition most of my communications for the last 20-years have been in German, French, Dutch and extremely poor Arabic. One of the reasons for joining this site is to keep up my English.
Personal point of view.
I think all coming to live & work here should be tested in proficiency after the first year cds A1 minimum then again when applying for the next cds etc. Then for the 10yr cds pass the B1-B2.
I spent years on major building / renovations projects, on site with many people that couldn’t understand the basics of the French language, Arabs, des Yougoslaves, Romanians, Polonais, Pakistanais, etc. Many had been living in France for many years.
2 Likes
Yeah, I know what you mean about people not integrating or learning the host nation’s language - I guess if you only view your presence as a short term gig and you have other people around you in the same boat the practicalities mean you remain isolated. Especially if you are part of a migrant group that just goes where the work is and might be visiting more than one country.
The same is true of many ethnic groups that are somewhat inward looking to their own communities - Brits in France included.
But for those that settle permanently I think one really should at least try to learn the host nation’s language and their culture. Bringing or joining your own little enclave is understandable but ultmately it can lead to resentment.
Seemingly it is that P word that offends. I wonder which is was – ‘Personal’ or ‘Proficiency’
I seem to recall that in England we have always used colloquialisms, the use of which does not necessarily invoke any intent to offend.
2 Likes
Stop using IA Billy. Please?
Those coming later may be mildly confused by Robert’s post - an unacceptable word was used, it has been removed along with the debate around doing so.
The thing is language is fluid - terms which were once acceptable (handicapped, say) become less so with time. It does matter that we don’t refer (as another example) to people who have cerebral palsy as “spastics” because of the negative connotations that word has acquired.
2 Likes
I might if I knew what it was…
1 Like
I have many reservations about editing this thread because an offensive term was used. There have been many opinions expressed on SF that I find offensive, but I wouldn’t dream of requesting that they be removed. Surely censure is sufficient.
3 Likes
I didn’t do it lightly, but the discussion made little sense after the edit and didn’t add to the thread - it would have been better placed in a private conversation (as, indeed, some of it was).
1 Like
Welcome to France Billy. Handicapé is the primary term here.
2 Likes
Indeed, I have noticed that before - though the origin is English “hand in cap” and presumably the negative interpretation (of those with disabilities as free-loaders or beggars) did not filter through into French even though the original term did.
I lived and worked in Germany for 26 years and I have now lived in France for about half of that time. For well over half of my life learning and improving a second language has been part of my daily routine. I have done that for several reasons, one being communication and another integration but the most important reason is for myself. I have not wanted to live in a country where I didn’t know what was going on around me, what people were saying and notices around the town meant. I want to be able to hold a conversation with people that I meet when I am out and about and despite being a fan of technology don’t believe that Google translate is the answer.
5 Likes
Completely agree - exactly my own thoughts.
So, just to be clear about what is deemed acceptable or not, is the word ‘spasticity’ aceptable ?
Can a person who suffers an occasional acute episode of spasticity be described as having to endure a ‘spastic’ attack or not ?
I think we should be cautious about engaging in self censorship where language is concerned, lest we fall victim to the scourge of being unable to describe things as they truly are.
1 Like