| description: |
In language testing, severe criticism has been levelled lately at assessment of language proficiency, proceeding from the standard of native language proficiency. Alternatives are being sought to such an approach. The goal of this project is to work out a model of naturalness of speaking, encompassing the elements of speech naturalness (intonation, breaks, stresses), the culturally indigenous mode of passing on the information (turn-taking, topic management) and the vocabulary range and control. By speaking naturalness a normal, common purpose-oriented talk is meant, accepted in the society and allowing the parties to focus on subject matter of the message. Basing on model of speaking naturalness, empirically based criteria can be established, in order to rate the speaking proficiency. |