Functional English

[Giovanni]

Could you tell me what fonctional Englilsh requires. Is it someone who speaks a little English or someone with a good knowledge of English. To have fonctional English does that mean you can write English as well?

Thank you.

[Yankee]

Hi Giovanni

If someone tells you that your English is functional, I would interpret that to mean that your English is good enough to successfully handle a variety of everyday situations. In other words, you can function in an English environment. You can do things such as make appointments, invite someone to a party, talk about your plans, explain a problem, answer questions, thank someone, fill out a form, write a check, etc. I would expect "functional English" to include all aspects of language: speaking, listening, writing, and reading.

If someone tells you that your English is "functional", you are not "perfect" in English. You are probably still making lots of mistakes, but the mistakes are usually not serious enough to prevent you from doing the things you want or need to do.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Alan]

Hi,

Functonal can be used to describe a device or piece of equipment/machinery that serves a purpose and that's all. It has no other characteristics. You could describe a very ordinary car as 'functional' if it serves the purpose of getting you from one place to another and doesn't have any of the refinements of a very expensive car. If you use that to describe your knowledge of a foreign language, it shows that you know enough to be understood and understand others but it is not a very broad knowledge and you wouldn't be able to have a lengthy conversation using it. It is in other words 'adequate'.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Mister Micawber]

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So-- how's your English, Giovanni? Is it functional?
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Harry Smiith]