The Certificazione di Italiano come lingua straniera, (Certificate of Italian as a Foreign Language) or CILS is a qualification offered by the Foreigners University of Siena for foreign speakers of the Italian language, recognizing various levels of language proficiency. The University for Foreigners Siena (Università per Stranieri di Siena is a university located in Siena, Italy. Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy. The qualification is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is often used to grant acceptance in any Italian university or higher education institution in Italy. As in most countries in Italy the Minister of Foreign Affairs is one of the most important ministerial positions A university is an institution of Higher education and Research, which grants Academic degrees in a variety of subjects Higher education is Education that is provided by universities, vocational universities, Community colleges Liberal arts colleges Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest
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Origins
The origins of the modern CILS qualification are said to date back to 1588 when the Grand Duke of Tuscany Ferdinand I created a school for learning of the then Tuscan Italian language for German students. The rulers of Tuscany have varied over time sometimes being Margraves the rulers of handfuls of border counties and sometimes the heads of the most important family Ferdinand I may refer to Ferdinand I of León, the Great (ca 1000-1065 king from 1037 Ferdinand I of Portugal and the The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages. Subsequent movements for the dissemination of the Italian language and the Italian culture have also been established and promoted during history. Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy. The Culture of Italy can be found in the Roman ruins remaining in much of the country the precepts of the Roman Catholic Church, the spirit of the The Foreigners University of Siena embodies the role nowadays for the official creation, distribution and awarding of the CILS qualification. The University for Foreigners Siena (Università per Stranieri di Siena is a university located in Siena, Italy.
Structure of the Qualification
The qualification is officially issued on successful completion of a particular level as conforming with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the European Council. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Learning Teaching Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages The European Council (referred to as a European Summit) is the highest political body of the European Union. Therefore six levels of increasing difficulty represent the examinations involved for obtention of the certificate. A certificate is an official Document affirming some fact For example a Birth certificate or Death certificate testifies to basic facts regarding The beginner level examination starts at level A1 whilst the most advanced level is C2. As such the qualification ressembles the DELF/DALF used for recognizing French language ability. The Diploma in French Studies (known in French as the Diplôme d'études en langue française) is a certification of French-language abilities for non-native The Diploma of Advanced French Language Studies (known in French as the Diplôme approfondi de langue française, or DALF) is a certification French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people This said, however, the qualification is often seen as comprising four levels (from CILS Uno to CILS Quattro, B1 to C2 according to the European Framework) as the Italian required becomes more advanced. All examinations cover what are viewed as the most important elements in language acquisition: speaking, reading, written composition, analysis of structures of communication and listening.
Qualification Levels
CILS Uno The first (B1) of the more advanced levels requires the passing of a three hour-long examination, testing an applicant's knowledge of basic Italian.
CILS Due The second level (B2) features a four hour-long examination with an advancement of difficulty. This level is considered as recognizing an applicant's sustained ability to adequately converse in Italian and is the level from which one may apply for entrance to an Italian university without sitting the normally obligatory language assessment. A university is an institution of Higher education and Research, which grants Academic degrees in a variety of subjects For article assessment process on Wikipedia see WikipediaVersion 1
CILS Tre The third level (C1) is again another advancement in difficulty and represents a high competence in speaking Italian. An applicant must pass a five hour-long examination to receive this level of qualification.
CILS Quattro The fourth level (C2) is the highest level of the CILS qualifications. Upon successful completion of the five and a half-hour long examination of this level an applicant is regarded as having reached a point of language mastery, almost akin to that of a native.
Qualification Eligibility
Eligibility for the CILS qualification is open to all (Italian residents abroad and non-Italian speakers) wishing to validate their skills in Italian. Applicants of any age are eligible to apply with the preparation for the examination highly encouraged.
Procedure
To sit the examination, applicants must pay for registration (prices varying between countries) and then sit it at any certified examination centre. When an exam has been completed, the University for Foreigners of Siena evaluates, following the guidelines of the European Union, awarding the appropriate level of qualification when an applicant scores the minimum pass mark required or above. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in The examinations traditionally take place on the June and December of every year. Events in June Madaraka Day June 1 to commemorate when Kenya gained internal self-rule Events in December Union Day of Romania (1 December World AIDS Day ( December 1) National Day of
Many centres around the world, including the University for Foreigners of Siena, organize preparatory lessons and guides to best confront the rigours of the exams.
Conclusion
Overall, the CILS qualification is viewed as a tool for validating levels of language fluency in Italian. Motivations for taking the examinations are numerous, ranging from work, study to leisurely pleasure.
See also
DITALS