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Rose Et Crème Illustration Salle de Classe Règles Affiche

The document discusses the contrast between Chomsky's linguistic competence and performance, which emphasizes grammar knowledge, and Hymes' critique that highlights the importance of sociocultural factors in language use. Hymes introduces the concept of communicative competence, which integrates grammar with the ability to use language appropriately in various social contexts, defined by four parameters: possibility, feasibility, appropriateness, and occurrence. The disagreement lies in Chomsky's focus on cognitive structures versus Hymes' emphasis on social language use, suggesting that both theories can complement each other.

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9 views2 pages

Rose Et Crème Illustration Salle de Classe Règles Affiche

The document discusses the contrast between Chomsky's linguistic competence and performance, which emphasizes grammar knowledge, and Hymes' critique that highlights the importance of sociocultural factors in language use. Hymes introduces the concept of communicative competence, which integrates grammar with the ability to use language appropriately in various social contexts, defined by four parameters: possibility, feasibility, appropriateness, and occurrence. The disagreement lies in Chomsky's focus on cognitive structures versus Hymes' emphasis on social language use, suggesting that both theories can complement each other.

Uploaded by

alaeelberdai15
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On Communicative

Competence
Dell Hymes-1972

analysis of the article

Chomsky’s View on Linguistic Competence and Performance:


-Linguistic competence refers to the knowledge of grammar and language rules in an
idealized speaker.
-Linguistic performance is the actual use of language, which Chomsky describes as
imperfect due to memory limitations, false starts, and distractions.
-Chomsky focuses on the ideal speaker-listener in a homogeneous speech community,
ignoring the social and cultural factors that influence real-world language use.
Hymes’ Critique of Chomsky’s Idealization:
-Hymes argues that Chomsky’s theory is disconnected from reality and fails to address
sociocultural factors in language use.
-Hymes believes linguistic competence alone cannot explain communication and that
social rules are essential to understand when, how, and why people speak.
-Hymes rejects Chomsky’s view of performance as "imperfect," emphasizing that
performance is equally important in understanding how language functions in real life.
Hymes’ Concept of Communicative Competence:
-Hymes introduces communicative competence, which includes grammar knowledge
and the ability to use language appropriately in different social contexts.
He identifies four parameters for evaluating language:
Possibility: Refers to whether a sentence is grammatically correct within the rules of
the language.
Example: “She eats apples” is possible, but “She eat apples” is not.
Feasibility: Refers to whether a sentence can be produced or understood, considering
human cognitive limits such as memory and mental processing.
Example: A complex sentence might be grammatically correct but too difficult to
process in conversation.
Appropriateness: Refers to whether the language fits the social context and situation.
Example: Saying “Can I borrow your book?” is appropriate with a friend, but saying
“Give me your book” would not be.
Occurrence: Refers to whether people actually use the sentence in real life, influenced
by habits, preferences, and cultural norms.
Example: People might say “Gonna” instead of “Going to” in casual speech, even
though both are grammatically correct.
Example: People might say “Gonna” instead of “Going to” in casual speech, even though
both are grammatically correct.
Sociocultural Factors:
Hymes emphasizes that sociocultural rules, like when to speak, what topics are
appropriate, and how tone and body language affect meaning, are crucial for
communication.
He highlights that rules of use (when, where, and how to speak) are just as important as
grammar for understanding how language works in practice.

summary of the article


Chomsky focuses on linguistic competence (knowledge of grammar) and treats
performance (actual use of language) as secondary or imperfect.
Hymes critiques this, proposing communicative competence, which combines
grammar knowledge with the ability to use language appropriately in social
contexts.
Hymes identifies four parameters: possibility, feasibility, appropriateness, and
occurrence to evaluate language in real-world settings, integrating both grammar
and sociocultural factors.

point of disagreement

Hymes criticizes Chomsky for focusing solely on grammar and ignoring social language
use.
However, Chomsky’s focus on mental structures is vital for understanding how the brain
processes language.
Both theories can complement each other: Chomsky addressing cognitive aspects, and
Hymes focusing on social and cultural contexts.

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