Journal Press India^®

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Linguistic proficiency has emerged as one of the key conditions for the granting of permission to stay and for naturalization in an increasing number of European as well as non- European countries. A survey in 2002 showed that 4 out of 14 countries (29%) had language conditions for citizenship; the 2007 follow-up survey revealed that five years later this number had grown to 11 out of 18 countries (61%). These tests are often used for a variety of undeclared and covert purposes, other than just 'measuring knowledge'. These 'Language tests' enable governments to use them in the context of immigration, and for the purpose of gate-keeping to regulate and restrict the entry of immigrants. (Spotti & Van Avermaet 2009:14).This article offers a vide range of possible answers, their in(validity) and ir(relevance), social desirability and level of detail required.

Keywords

Language, proficiency; nationality

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