SPL 0
No ability whatsoever.
SPL 1
Understands only a few isolated words, and extremely simple learned phrases. Vocabulary limited to a few isolated words. Functions minimally, if at all, in English. A native speaker used to dealing with limited English speakers can rarely communicate with a person at this level except through gestures.
SPL 2
Understands a limited number of very simple learned phrases, spoken slowly with frequent repetitions. Expresses a limited number of immediate survival needs using very simple learned phrases. Functions in a very limited way in situations related to immediate needs. A native English speaker used to dealing with limited English speakers will have great difficulty communicating with a person at this level.
Listen to the SPL2 audio clip.
SPL 3
Understands simple learned phrases, spoken slowly with frequent repetitions. Expresses immediate survival needs using simple learned phrases. Functions with some difficulty in situations related to immediate needs. A native English speaker used to dealing with limited English speakers will have great difficulty communicating with a person at this level.
SPL 4
Understands simple learned phrases easily, and some simple new phrases containing familiar vocabulary, spoken slowly with frequent repetitions. Expresses basic survival needs including asking and responding to related questions, using both learned and a limited number of new phrases. Speaks with hesitation and frequent pauses. Some control of basic grammar. Can satisfy basic survival needs and a few very routine social demands. A native English speaker used to dealing with limited English speakers will have difficulty communicating with this person.
Listen to the SPL4 audio clip.
SPL 5
Understands learned phrases easily and short new phrases containing familiar vocabulary spoken slowly with repetition. Has limited ability to understand on the telephone. Participates in basic conversations in a limited number of social situations. Can occasionally clarify general meaning. Can satisfy basic survival needs and some limited social demands. A native English speaker used to dealing with limited English speakers will have some difficulty communicating with a person at this level.
SPL 6
Understands conversations containing some unfamiliar vocabulary on many everyday subjects, with a need for repetition, rewording, or slower speech. Functions independently in most survival situations, but needs some help. Relies less on learned phrases; speaks with creativity, but with hesitation. Control of basic grammar evident, but inconsistent. Can satisfy most survival needs and limited social demands. A native English speaker not used to dealing with limited English speakers will be able to communicate with this person on familiar topics, but with difficulty and some effort.
Listen to the SPL6 audio clip.