By a commentator for Tjen Folket Media.
NRK writes about a proposal from the government to change the “integration law” by tightening standards for results in Norwegian language tests used to receive citizenship in Norway. The government wishes to increase the demand from the level referred to as A2 to B1. In order of increasing language proficiency, the levels are: A1, A2, B1, and B2.
A2 is described as follows:
The person can participate in simple conversations about practical tasks and routine work processes in a familiar context. Can read and understand short, simple texts connected to their own work situation. The person can write short, simple messages and share experiences and events with simple phrases and sentences.
And B1 as follows:
The person can understand the main points in clear texts and speech regarding familiar subjects that they typically meet in connection with work, school, and leisure activities. Can handle themselves in most situations that arise and can write simple texts about familiar subjects and briefly explain and justify opinions and plans.
The Union Secretary of the Norwegian Union of School Employees expressed the following to NRK:
This is the same level [that you would be] if you were born in Norway, to Norwegian parents, and have completed the 10th grade. We view this as the government initiating legal discrimination.
They furthermore note that:
This borders on official, public racism. We expected more from Sanner, and we suspect that others in the government are behind this proposal.
And:
This will particularly hit those who come from countries where they are denied access to schools: for instance, women and the disabled.
All direct quotes have been translated into English from the original Bokmål by TFM.
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