Communicative Competence

Communicative Competence

• It is an ability of an individual to understand and use language effectively in a variety of contexts or purposes

• As described by Canale and Swain, it is composed of the four components: Linguistic, Stratregic, Socio-linguistic, and Discourse.

• Knowing how and when to use a variety of communication techniques help in the seamless transfer of information

  • It also allows the speaker’s goal to be fulfilled.

Components of Communicative Competence

• Linguistic

  • This component describes the ability to understand and use:
    • vocabulary
    • language conventions
      • Example: grammar, punctuation, or spelling
    • syntax/sentence structure

• Strategic

  • This component describes the use of techniques to:
    • overcome gaps in language
    • plan and assess one’s effectiveness in communication
    • achieve conversational/written fluency
    • modify text for audience and purpose

• Socio-linguistic

  • This component describes the person’s awareness of:
    • social rules of language
      • Example: formality, politeness, and directness
    • nonverbal behaviors
    • cultural reference
      • Example: idioms, expressions, background knowledge

Discourse

• This component describes how ideas are connected through:
  • patterns of organization
  • conjunctions
  • use of transition words

Summary

• Communicative competence gauges the person’s ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and reasons.
• This can be divided into four major areas
  • Linguistic: your proficiency in use of vocabulary and grammar.
  • Strategic: your ability to address problems in communication
  • Socio-linguistic: describes how well you use language in a particular social or cultural context.
  • Discourse: your ability to weave and connect ideas as a coherent whole.
• Mastery in use of various communicative strategies help in a smooth transmission of information
  • In addition, it also helps you fulfill your goal as a speaker.