124094 VK BEd 09.2: VK Linguistics for Language Teachers (2019W)

Exploring ‘communicative competence’ in ELT

‘Communicative competence’ is generally the term denoting the declared aim of foreign language learning. Derived from the notion of ‘linguistic competence’ in theoretical and descriptive linguistics, the term is of very frequent occurrence in applied linguistics and language education. It is used by researchers into second language acquisition in specifying the end point of interlanguage and the ultimate objective for learners to attain, and by language testers as the benchmark against which degrees of attainment are measured. But what exactly is meant by ‘communicative competence’ ? Does it mean the knowledge users have of the rules of the language, or the ability to make communicative use of these rules, or both? And who are these users? Given the current global role of English as a means of international communication, are all these users competent in the same way or to the same degree? Does it make sense to think of different kinds of competence such as ‘linguistic competence’, ‘sociolinguistic competence’, ‘discourse competence’, ‘intercultural competence’ and so on? If so, how are these different concepts related?
The aim of this course is to give critical consideration to these questions. We will explore how the term 'communicative competence' and its variants have been operationalized in key areas of ELT pedagogy such as curricula, textbooks, reference works, teaching methodology, tests and policy documents, especially the all-pervasive Common European Frame of Reference for Languages and European Language Portfolios. Based on close examination of selected examples of texts and practices in these areas, we will critically investigate the validity of the concept in the description of contemporary English and in the way it is taught and assessed.
This course combines mini-lectures, on- & offline assignments, reading-based group work and discussion, and individual research work leading to a small-group presentation and a written project report. BEd students who decide to write their bachelor paper in this course will produce a research paper based on their project.
We recommend that you do this course only after completing at least ELT Foundations 1 and Language in Use 1.