U.4. Communicative competence. Definitions (Spaced Repetition)

Define “language”

It is a dynamic and interactive process that enables individuals to convey meaning, express themselves, and connect with others

Define “communication” according to Halliday

The exchange and negotiation of information between at least two individuals THROUGH the use of verbal and non-verbal symbols + oral, written, production, and comprehension processes.

WHAT? (exchange and negotiation) WHO? (2+ individuals) HOW? (through use of nonverbal and verbal communic….)

Define the communication process

• It is a form of social interaction. Typically acquired and used in a social context (S)

• It always has a purpose. (P)

• Communication has a high degree of unpredictability and creativity: requires people to adjust and adapt (UC)

• Incorporates verbal and non-verbal (V)

• Speaker/sender + message + receiver/recipient (S)

Communicative language teaching method as described by Harmer emphasises the importance of what factors in the classroom?

• A person speaking because they want to, with a clear communicative purpose

• Selecting language appropriate for students

• Using language to achieve a goal.

Widdowson, what does he add?

• Highlights the importance of unpredictability, creativity, and authentic language

• Communication takes place in a discourse and sociocultural context, under limited conditions. Successful or not depends.

What is cohesion?

• (Linguistic unity) Concerned with the connections between utterances.

• It has a highly pragmatic factor, these utterances are often implicit and rely on the receiver’s general knowledge and familiarity.

• Cohesive devices (such as anaphora, lexical cohesion, deixis…) add unity

What is coherence?

• (Semantic unity) The relationship among the different meanings within a text.

• Achieved through many means, such as progression of meaning, relevance of meaning…

Communicative activity

• Any interaction in our daily lives where 2+ individuals exchange information.

• To Harmer, effective activities share key characteristics:

  • Genuine desire to communicate

  • Clear communicative purpose

  • Focus on content > form

  • Diversity of language use

  • Minimal teacher intervention

  • Absence of strict control over materials

Communicative activity. Three core principles

• Communicative Learning Principle: authentic communication fosters learning

• Task Principle: activities that involve using language to complete meaningful tasks

• Meaningful Principle: language that carries significance and meaningfulness.