Språkkunskap

Språkkunskap refers to a person’s knowledge and ability to use one or more languages. It encompasses both receptive skills (listening and reading) and productive skills (speaking and writing), as well as vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and sociolinguistic competence. In Swedish and other Nordic contexts the term is used to describe a person’s overall language proficiency for personal, academic, or professional purposes.

Assessment and descriptors: Commonly described along scales or levels. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is widely used to standardize descriptions from A1 to C2, with regional variants also in use. In addition to formal tests, self-assessment, portfolios, and employer opinions may contribute to an overall picture of språkkunskap.

Contexts: Education programs set goals to develop listening, reading, speaking, and writing abilities. In employment, språkkunskap is often listed on CVs and applications and can influence hiring decisions. In migration and public administration, language proficiency affects eligibility, access to services, and integration efforts.

Nature and dynamics: Språkkunskap is a dynamic, context-dependent resource that develops with exposure and practice. Multilingual individuals may have uneven profiles across languages, and maintenance of proficiency requires ongoing use. Sociolinguistic factors, such as register, cultural knowledge, and pragmatic competence, shape functional language ability.