Communicative Competence In A Second Language

Nearly half a century has passed since Hymes proposed the concept of communicative competence to describe the knowledge and skills required for the appropriate use of language in a social context. During these decades, a number of scholars have applied and refined this concept. In language education, communicative competence has been identified as a major objective of learning. This book will inform readers about communicative competence as a highly complex construct encompassing an array of sub-competencies such as linguistic skills and proficiencies, knowledge of socio-cultural and socio-pragmatic codes, and the ability to engage in textual and conversational discourse. Findings from research in related disciplines have pointed to the significance of factors that can contribute to the attainment of communicative competence. Various teaching practices and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools will be also introduced and discussed to achieve communicative competence as a complex ability. It is a timely contribution to current research on key areas in the teaching, learning and acquisition of second/foreign languages.

Communicative competence is an essential language skill, the ability to adjust language use according to specific contexts and to employ knowledge and strategies for successful communication. This unique text offers a multidisciplinary, critical, state-of-the-art research overview for this skill in second language learners. Expert contributors from around the world lay out the history of the field, then explore a variety of theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and empirical findings, and authoritatively set the agenda for future work. With a variety of helpful features like discussion questions, recommended further reading, and suggestions for practice, this book will be an invaluable resource to students and researchers of applied linguistics, education, psychology, and beyond.

Language teachers present theories for sharpening students' communication skills in a second language, and describe examples of their application in actual classrooms. They explain strategies for beginning listening comprehension; interaction skills with idiomatic expressions, integrating social skills, and group work at intermediate levels; and refining literacy skills for advanced students. Provides a springboard of ideas and approaches for teachers and administrators to tailor to their specific needs. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

An anthology of articles on teaching English to speakers of other languages. The emphasis is on practical concerns of classroom procedures and on cross-cultural aspects of teaching English around the world. Several of the articles focus on communicative language teaching.