This gap is addressed by the newly published methodological textbook “Lithuanian Language A1–B2 Level Tests for Foreigners with Assessment Guidelines”. The book is intended for learners of Lithuanian as a foreign language as well as their teachers.
The authors of the publication are lecturers at Klaipeda University: Dr. Daiva Pagojienė, Dr. Vaida Drukteinytė, and Dr. Kristina Blockytė-Naujokė, who have extensive experience in teaching Lithuanian as a foreign language. They are also members of the international language testing organization ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe).
The publication is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is designed to provide a more objective assessment of learners’ Lithuanian language proficiency. It presents the system of language proficiency levels, explains the structure of examinations, and provides information on assessment principles. Importantly, the assessment guidelines are available not only in Lithuanian but also in English and Ukrainian, making the book accessible to a broader audience of learners.
“This publication is important for society, Klaipėda University, and the entire educational community, as it addresses a very specific contemporary issue – how to objectively assess proficiency in Lithuanian as a foreign language. As language requirements become stricter, especially for foreigners working in the service sector, there is a growing need for clear, reliable, and European-standard-aligned assessment tools. Until now, Lithuania has not had a methodological publication of this kind.
For Klaipeda University, this publication represents a meaningful link between research and practice it summarizes academic expertise and many years of practical experience working with international students. It contributes to the development of research in Lithuanian as a foreign language and strengthens the University’s role as a center of expertise in this field.
The publication is based on many years of professional experience. The tests were systematically piloted with learners of Lithuanian as a foreign language and repeatedly refined in line with international practices and principles of language test development. This has resulted in a reliable and practically applicable assessment tool,” share the authors Dr. Daiva Pagojienė, Dr. Vaida Drukteinytė, and Dr. Kristina Blockytė-Naujokė.
A Book for Self-Study and Teaching
The practical part of the book includes tests designed to assess A1, A1–A2, and B1–B2 language proficiency levels. The tasks are structured to evaluate all key language skills—reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
At the end of the publication, readers will find answer keys, assessment guidelines, and recommendations that allow them to check completed tasks and determine their level of language proficiency. This is useful both for independent learners and for teachers or lecturers conducting Lithuanian language courses.
A distinctive feature of the book is its content related to Lithuanian culture. The tasks explore topics relevant to contemporary Lithuanian society and culture, enabling learners not only to assess their language skills but also to gain a deeper understanding of Lithuania’s cultural and social context.
The publication also helps readers better understand the process of language proficiency assessment by providing information for both candidates and examiners. This allows readers to form a clearer picture of examination procedures and evaluation criteria. “The publication will also be particularly useful for international students planning to study at higher education institutions in Lithuania, as admission requires an assessment of Lithuanian language proficiency. The book offers an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the types of tasks and to self-assess one’s level of preparedness. The demand for such practical material is also expressed by students themselves—they often ask for examples that help them understand what to expect during language proficiency assessments,” note the authors.
It is expected that this book will become an important methodological tool in teaching Lithuanian as a foreign language and will contribute to more consistent assessment practices as well as more effective preparation for language proficiency tests.
The publication will soon be available in bookstores. Those interested in purchasing it already now are invited to contact the KU Centre of Lithuanian Studies and Foreign Languages by email: lukc.shmf@ku.lt.
