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Page 1: Definition of Communicative Competence

Overview

  • Communicative Competence (CC): Refers to a speaker's knowledge of language rules and appropriate contextual use.

  • Importance: Fundamental in sociolinguistics as it encompasses linguistic knowledge and its social application.

Key Concepts

Linguistic Competence

  • Influenced by N. Chomsky: Focuses on the idealized native speaker's innate grammatical knowledge, allowing for the generation of grammatical sentences.

Communicative Competence

  • Introduced by D. Hymes: Emphasizes the social aspect of language use, adapting based on topic, situation, and relationships.

  • Understanding requires mastery in both:

    • Linguistic Competence: Knowledge of language rules (phonology, syntax, semantics).

    • Pragmatic Competence: Using utterances appropriately in contexts.

Conclusion

  • Mastery in a language requires both linguistic and communicative competencies.

Page 2: Canale and Swale’s Model of Communication Competence

Canale and Swale's Model

  • They expanded on Hymes, defining two main competences that coexist:

    1. Grammatical Competence

      • Focuses on the use of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

      • Questions addressed: What words do I use? How do I structure sentences?

    2. Sociolinguistic Competence

      • Involves knowing suitable language and attitudes in various contexts.

      • Questions addressed: What words fit this setting? How to express attitudes?

    3. Discourse Competence

      • Understanding how to create cohesive and coherent communication.

      • Techniques for effective communication.

    4. Strategic Competence

      • Involves communication strategies for effective interactions, dealing with misunderstandings, and adequacy of expression.

Summary

  • CC encompasses the ability to:

    1. Use linguistic knowledge.

    2. Adjust language based on register.

    3. Construct coherent discourse.

    4. Manage communication clarity.

Page 3: Language Variation and Social Factors

Key Themes

Language Variation

  • Variation: Refers to changes in language due to regional, social, or contextual differences.

  • All linguistic aspects are subject to variation, which is influenced by social factors.

Language and Social Class

  • Sociolects: Dialects dictated by social factors rather than geographical ones, reflecting social divisions.

  • Example: British Received Pronunciation as a marker of education and social standing.

Register Adaptation

  • Register: The variation of language usage according to context.

    • Defined by choice of words, structures, and tone.

  • Halliday's Model: Guided by three variables

    1. Field: Topic of interaction.

    2. Tenor: Participant relationship.

    3. Mode: Communication means.

Page 4: Continued Language Variation and Social Factors

Continued Exploration

Individual Idiolect

  • Individual differences in language expression, significant even among family members.

  • Reflected in unique speech characteristics based on personal attributes.

Genderlects

  • The distinct ways men and women use language, outlined by sociolinguist Robin Lakoff.

  • Women's language tends to be more polite and indirect compared to men's speech patterns.

Regional Dialects

  • Regional variations within a country, affecting pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

  • Example: British English vs. American English differences.

Page 5: Language Varieties and Their Impact

Language vs. Dialect

  • Languages consist of standardized forms (official) whereas dialects are often less codified regional varieties.

Distinctions

  • Language: Standardized, codified grammar and vocabulary.

  • Dialect: Regional, often not written or standardized.

Prestige and Language

  • Languages with greater prestige often dictate social norms.

  • Dialect vs. Language: Both can evolve from non-standard to standard based on societal acceptance.

Example: French Language Variation

  • French as a national standardized dialect with examples of regional dialects lacking similar status.

Page 6: Language Dialects and Their Features

Variants of Language

Standard vs. Non-standard Dialect

  • Non-standard dialects lack codified rules, while standard dialects are utilized in education and official contexts.

Language Prestige

  • Language prestige influences perception and acceptance in society, as standard languages maintain higher social status.

Official Language Definitions

  • Official Language: Has legal status recognized by the government.

  • National Language: Serves to unify a country’s identity.

Examples of Official Languages in Context

  • English in Britain, French in France, highlighting the social and cultural significance.

Page 7: Language Processes: Standardization, Pidginisation, and Creolisation

Standardization Process

  • Involves selection, codification, elaboration of functions, and acceptance for community use.

  • Advantages include ease of teaching, common identity, and unification within a language community.

Pidginisation and Creolisation

Pidgins

  • Develop in scenarios lacking common language among speakers, serving as a bridge for communication.

  • Example: Pidgin English arising in trade contexts.

Creoles

  • Evolved pidgins that become native languages for subsequent generations, showcasing natural growth in language complexity.

Page 8: Diglossia, Bilingualism, and Multilingualism

Key Concepts

Diglossia

  • Defined as the coexistence of two varieties of a language within a society, each with specific roles.

  • Example: Standard Arabic vs. Algerian dialect.

Bilingualism

  • Types: Coordinate (learned in separate contexts) and Compound (simultaneously learned).

  • Reflects proficiency in multiple languages and their contextual use.

Multilingualism

  • Refers to individuals or communities speaking multiple languages.

  • Can be individual or societal based, reflecting cultural diversity.

Page 9: Code Switching and Code Mixing

Concepts Defined

Code Switching

  • The practice of alternating between languages or dialects based on context or participants.

    • Types include situational, metaphorical, and conversational switching.

Code Mixing

  • Mixing languages within sentences or clauses, demonstrating linguistic hybridity.

  • Common among bilingual speakers accustomed to both languages.

Page 10: Details on Code Mixing and Switching

Types of Code Switching

  1. Situational: Based on context and interlocutor; language usage varies accordingly.

  2. Metaphorical: Altering language for expressive purposes without changing the situation.

  3. Conversational: Switching mid-discussion between languages shared by interlocutors.

Types of Code Mixing

  • Mixing languages in conversation, often occurring unconsciously due to language proximity and familiarity.

  • Illustrative examples demonstrate the blending of syntax and vocabulary between languages.

Page 11: Conclusion on Linguistic Processes

Summary of Language Dynamics

  • Languages continually evolve, influenced by societal changes, interactions, and cultural exchanges. Understanding these dynamics is critical in studying sociolinguistics.