Testing Language in the NATO STANAG Context

Abstract

NATO STANAG 6001 test papers in Lithuania correspond to the components of the Standard Language Profile, namely Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Test papers with labels ‘Grammar’, ‘Vocabulary’ or ‘Language in Use’ are not designed. This article focuses on the role and the ways of how vocabulary and grammar in the Lithuanian STANAG 6001 test are assessed. As it is seen from contemporary researchers’ works, language proficiency involves not only language knowledge, but discourse, sociolinguistic knowledge and strategic competence. Therefore, while assessing proficiency of language, assessing language knowledge is only one part of it. Both knowledge and the ability to use it are essential parts for communication. While assessing the test takers’ language ability inferences on the person’s language knowledge and strategic competence are made. Knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and spelling are essential in language proficiency. Without elementary knowledge of language one will not be able to show the other competences or skills in the target language. On the other hand, test takers with higher level of language competence are able to compensate for a certain lack of other competences by making use of their language resources. And finally, it is indicated that there is no need to design separate papers for testing Vocabulary, Grammar or Language Use, as they are incorporated and assessed in tests of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.