Communicative Competence: Definition, Components, and Teaching Approaches

Posted on Aug 4, 2024 in Teaching & Education

Communicative Competence: Definition and Components

Definition of Communicative Competence

Communicative competence refers to the ability to use language effectively in social and functional contexts. It encompasses not only linguistic knowledge but also the ability to understand and use language appropriately in different situations.

Components of Communicative Competence

Five essential components of communicative competence include:

1. Linguistic Competence

Knowledge of the language’s form and meaning, including spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

2. Pragmatic Competence

Ability to use language to achieve communicative goals, including knowing how to perform specific functions and relate language to context.

3. Discourse Competence

Understanding of how discourse works, including the use of cohesive devices and the ability to develop coherence in written and spoken texts.

4. Strategic Competence

Ability to cope with communication challenges and maintain communication channels open.

5. Fluency

Ability to speak or write smoothly and effortlessly.

Communicative Language Teaching

Communicative language teaching (CLT) emphasizes the use of language in real-life situations. Key characteristics of CLT include:

– Language as a means of communication – Focus on interaction and negotiation – Learner-centered approach – Use of authentic materials

Listening and Speaking Skills in Communicative Competence

Listening

– Importance of background knowledge – Features of informal speech (brevity, colloquialisms, ungrammaticality) – Activities based on real-life situations

Speaking

– Importance as a primary skill – Characteristics of effective speaking activities (high participation, comprehensible language) – Challenges and methods to improve speaking ability – Role interaction as a tool for varied speaking experiences

Conclusion

Communicative competence is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses both linguistic knowledge and the ability to use language effectively in social contexts. Communicative language teaching approaches aim to develop learners’ communicative competence through real-life language use and interaction.