Knowledge Bank

This paper addresses the current state of Cantonese proficiency assessments and introduces a new test aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This new test fills gaps in existing evaluations by focusing on Cantonese oral proficiency for less advanced learners (CEFR levels A1, A2, and B1) without requiring prior knowledge of English, Written Chinese, or Mandarin. Its design also considers cultural neutrality and avoids assumptions about Hong Kong-specific knowledge, emphasizing oral communication without bias towards accent or precise pronunciation. Conducted via one-to-one video conferencing, the test features a variety of tasks to assess interactive communication skills. This test aims to meet the sociolinguistic needs of diverse Cantonese learners globally and to encourage further promotion and development of relevant learning materials.