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Developing Communicative Competence

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Developing Communicative Competence

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Developing Communicative Competence

Communicative language teaching involves developing language proficiency


through interactions embedded in meaningful contexts. This approach to teaching
provides authentic opportunities for learning that go beyond repetition and
memorization of grammatical patterns in isolation. A central concept of the
communicative approach to language teaching is communicative competence: the
learner’s ability to understand and use language appropriately to communicate in
authentic (rather than simulated) social and school environments.

The table below illustrates how each communicative area contributes to


communicative competence.

Linguistic Strategic

Understanding and using: Using techniques to:


 Vocabulary  Overcome language gaps
 Language conventions (grammar,  Plan and assess the effectiveness of
punctuation and spelling) communication
 Syntax (sentence structure  Achieve conversational fluency
 Modify text for audience and purpose

Communicative Competence

The ability to understand and use


language effectively to communicate in
authentic social and school environments.

Having awareness of: Understanding how ideas are connected


 Social rules of language ( formality, through:
politeness)  Patterns of organization
 Nonverbal behaviors  Cohesive and transitional devices
 Cultural references (idioms, expressions,
background knowledge)

Socio-Linguistic Discourse

Strategies to Develop Communicative Competence

 Linguistic Competence

 Encourage students to read a variety of texts and discuss them in small groups,
promoting exposure to different vocabulary.
 Incorporate games and activities that make learning new words enjoyable and
interactive.
 Organize a regular writing sessions where students practice expressing ideas,
reinforcing grammar and syntax.

 Strategic Competence

 Create scenarios where students need to use communication strategies to overcome


challenges, such as misunderstandings or information gaps.
 Implement regular feedback sessions where students receive constructive feedback
on their communication skills, fostering reflective practices.
 Conduct real-life simulations and role-plays to immerse students in situations where
effective communication strategies are crucial.

 Socio-linguistic Competence

 Create scenarios where students can practice using language in different social
situations, emphasizing appropriate communication styles.
 Assign projects that require students to explore and present on different cultural
norms, fostering an understanding of socio-linguistic nuances.
 Organize language exchange activities within the classroom to simulate real-life
socio-linguistic interactions.

 Discourse Competence

 Arrange debates and group discussion on various topics, providing opportunities for
extended discourse and idea organization.
 Assign essays and longer written projects, guiding students in structuring and
presenting their ideas coherently.
 Establish book clubs or discussion groups where students can explore and share
insights, enhancing their ability to organize ideas.

 Promote collaboration among students, encouraging the development of all


competences through interaction.
 Incorporate lessons or activities that raise awareness of cultural influences on
communication.
 Assess students’ progress in all competences through a variety of assessments,
including presentations, written assignments and participation in discussions.
 Establish a feedback loop, encouraging students to reflect on their strengths and
areas for improvement in each competence.

These strategies offer a holistic and practical approach to developing communicative


competence. By addressing linguistic, socio-linguistic, discourse and strategic
competences, educators can create an environment that not only facilitates language
learning but also prepares students for effective communication in different and real-life
situations.

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