Hey everyone,

I've been thinking about how English proficiency tests like IELTS are structured and wondering if they really serve our global community well. In cities worldwide, English is spoken in countless accents and styles, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. Yet, these tests often prioritize a very specific form of English, potentially overlooking the true communicative abilities of non-native speakers.

Shouldn't these tests evolve to reflect the diverse ways English is used around the globe? Wouldn't it make sense to assess someone’s ability to communicate effectively rather than their similarity to a native accent? I believe it's time for a change — to make language tests fairer and more inclusive of the different English speakers worldwide.

What do you all think? Is it time to redefine what it means to be proficient in English?

I also wrote this piece on Rindx that aims to inspire a rethinking of language proficiency test, advocating for a system that appreciates the full spectrum of global English speakers and prioritizes communication over conformity.
You can read it here - https://rindx.com/redefining-language-proficiency-for-a-diverse-world/

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Cheers.