Designing Language Proficiency Tests: Linguistic and Socio-Cultural Considerations

Abstract

Language proficiency tests for first second or foreign language are designed for various purposes Firstly they may be part of the curriculum of a school or a university where students have to fulfill the requirement of the academic programme they have chosen Secondly they may also be a requisite in getting a particular type of job and such like In most of these tests especially in the second type the focus is on the candidate s linguistic ability whereas the social and cultural factors which form part of language usage isoften sidelined This paper discusses the significance of these three factors linguistics social and cultural - in the formulation of language proficiency tests An illustration is given in the proficiency tests for Malay for foreigners intending to study or work in Malaysia consisting of three groups - the professionals the students and the workforce The tests are designed against the backdrop of the socio-cultural milieu of Malaysia Principles taken into consideration in the design of these tests are simplicity versus complexity the choice of domains and register authenticity and sensitivity