FAQs

What are the components of the UN Language Framework?

Three interdependent components:

UN Levels of Language Competence:

Four proficiency levels. A level achieved in one language is equal to the same level in every official UN language and has the same validity.

• UN Level I or Basic Language Competence
• UN Level II or Intermediate Language Competence
• UN Level III or Advanced Language Competence
• UN Level IV or Expert Language Competence

Each UN Level describes what learners at that level can do overall and in each of the four skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each UN level builds on the previous one(s), demonstrating a progression of accumulated knowledge and skills. The content and skills learnt at each UN level are the same in the six languages.

Core Curriculum:

The Core Curriculum is the same for all six UN official languages. It includes a set of learning objectives (typical tasks) and examples of text types and communicative situations, in personal, public and professional contexts for UN levels I, II and III

Language-specific Curriculum:

The Language-specific Curriculum is different for each of the six UN official languages. It breaks down the Core Curriculum into the specifics of the language, listing the minimum content expected at UN Levels I, II and III in grammar, vocabulary, syntax and language use in context, including socio-cultural elements.

How much time is needed to achieve a UN level?

It depends on many factors, including the amount of time language learners can invest, the familiarity with the language family, the opportunities to live immersed in the language, the need to use the language and professional needs.

Language learners may plan on dedicating one to two years of study on average to achieve each UN level.

Where can I learn languages?

Effective ways to learn the six official UN languages and local languages include attending courses at different duty stations where on-site language training is available; enrolling in online language courses for self-study; and getting access to an individual license through the Online Licenses Programme.

In cases where formal training is not an option, activities, events and resources to support the development of a multilingual workforce may be a valuable alternative.

Can I learn languages online?

Yes, the Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) offers a variety of online trainings, including instructor-led courses for New York-based and global audiences, and online self-study courses.

The LCTU instructor-led trainings are subject to eligibility criteria. Registration is offered at various times throughout the year.

The Online Language Learning Licenses Programme is for managers of staff in remote locations who need greater flexibility in scheduling.

When formal training is not an option, activities, events and resources to support the development of a multilingual workforce may be a valuable alternative.

How do I benefit from the UN Language Framework?

Language learners will have greater recognition of their achievements when they complete a UN level.

Language acquisition can be included in career development plans, for example by discussing a learning plan for the performance cycle and setting clear targets.

Why should I learn or improve a language?

The five top-rated benefits (2019 Staff Survey on Multilingualism) were the following:

• Increased communication skills
• Better team performance
• Improved client-orientation
• Enhanced work-place efficiencies
• More vibrant, engaged and committed workforce

More than 64% of Secretariat staff that responded to the 2019 Survey on Multilingualism (3,613 complete total responses) believed that their language skills contributed significantly to their career development.

Language learning enhances growth, respect for diversity and inclusiveness: staff members develop communication skills, a greater understanding of societies and cultures, and tools for interpersonal relationships.

Can I continue my language learning if I change duty stations?

Yes, the UN Language Framework provides more transparency and consistency among language learning programmes in different duty stations.

Local language learning possibilities and schedules may differ from duty station to duty station. Refer to the local language programmes for more information.

The language programmes are gradually applying the UN Language Framework and adapting their trainings to the UN level benchmarks.

Are courses offered at all UN Levels in all duty stations?

Not necessarily. Though duty stations with language programmes offer training in the six official United Nations languages, and possibly local languages, their specific courses depend on context, client demand and available resources.

All language programmes will gradually align their offering to target one or more UN levels, as defined in the UN Language Framework.

Can I certify my level of language competence?

Currently, staff members receive a certificate of language proficiency upon passing the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) in any of the official UN languages.

The website Language Proficiency Examination is the resource for any matter related to the LPE administration and management.

LPE candidates may consult UN Language Exams and Language Proficiency Exam Preparation for information on practice exams and online courses to prepare for the exam, as well as information on new Pilot Examinations for the UN I-Basic Level and UN II-Intermediate Level.

How can I use the UN Language Framework as an HR officer?

The UNLF establishes linguistic standards for:

• using language for work-related purposes
• creating reliable and valid language assessments
• assessing language proficiency levels for career development and mobility
• capturing and recognizing existing language skills
• including language skills in mobility exercises
• specifying language needs in hiring processes

How can I benefit from the UN Language Framework as a learning manager?

The UN Language Framework (UNLF) can guide managers on how to mainstream language, as a cross-cutting skill, in different kinds of trainings aimed at developing skills and competencies.

The Framework provides language programme managers and instructors with standardized guidelines on language training: learning objectives, text types, contexts of use - professional, public and personal - and guidance on specific vocabulary and grammar for each language.

The CDOTS Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) and its counterpart in Geneva, the Language Training Programme (LTP), have designed a comprehensive Training of Trainers. This online, self-study course provides an in-depth look at the Framework and a library of practical resources. Staff members can self-enrol in “UN Language Framework Training” by using their CDOTS Campus account or creating a new one.

How can I use the UN Language Framework as a supervisor or manager?

The UN Language Framework is a reference that can guide you on:

• revising and contributing to future policies on multilingualism
• encouraging your team members to learn and enjoy using several languages at different UN levels, thus promoting an atmosphere of language diversity and inclusivity
• supporting your team members in establishing achievable language learning targets in their learning plan (performance cycle)

Why does the UN need a Language Framework?

Consistent linguistic standards support and mainstream the use of diverse languages in different contexts and at various levels, in recognition of the core value of multilingualism in the UN Secretariat.

In 2011, the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) report on multilingualism stated that “the Inspectors expect a United Nations system language reference framework to be put in place, inspired by the good practice example of the CEFR [Common European Framework of Reference for Languages], but independent of it”.

Starting in March 2017, the language programmes at the UN Office in Geneva (UNOG) and UN Headquarters were tasked with harmonizing how languages are taught and assessed.

In 2023, the United Nations Language Framework and levels of language competence were made official by ST/SGB/2023/2.