Quite interesting that so many are getting their knickers in a twist over this. Correct me if I'm wrong but anyone wishing to join EK needs to speak English to an acceptable standard, right? We're not tested on reading and writing but often the two are linked. Either way, let the recruiters decide what constitutes acceptable skill levels during their interview over the phone. The regulator can then decide what grade to give those individuals, not us.
Either way, effective communications rely on a clear understanding of the spoken language, whatever that may be. Whether we like it or not, English is the one chosen for this career! Those that think it's not that important as long as we 'can muddle through a basic understanding' have obviously not spent time in a multicultural environment, especially one such as Dubai. Shop assistants, taxi drivers, waitress and bank clerks. Yes, they all speak English.......
Many, many aviation accidents have been caused by poor communications. If it means Raski, that someone corrects you because they don't understand, then so be it. Rather clarify and correct than make assumptions because you weren't clear!