ENG514 Assignment 1 Solution 2023

 

ENG 514

Assignment 1

Solution

Spring 2023

 

 

Q1. The communicative approach to language acquisition argues that learners should be taught how to use language in real-world contexts rather than simply learning the rules of grammar and syntax. In light of the given information,

a)    Explain the concept of ‘Communicative Competence’ as proposed by Dell Hymes. (10 Marks)

Solution:

 

The concept of "Communicative Competence" was proposed by sociolinguist Dell Hymes as a way to emphasize the importance of not only knowing the rules of grammar and syntax but also being able to use language effectively in real-world communicative situations. Hymes argued that linguistic competence, which refers to knowledge of the formal rules of a language, is not sufficient for successful communication. Instead, he proposed that communicative competence encompasses four interrelated components:

1.     Grammatical Competence:

This component refers to the knowledge of the rules of grammar and syntax that enable speakers to form grammatically correct sentences. It involves understanding the structure of a language and the relationships between words and phrases.

 

2.     Sociolinguistic Competence:

Sociolinguistic competence refers to the ability to use language appropriately in different social and cultural contexts. It involves understanding and applying the rules of language variation, including dialects, registers, and social norms. It enables speakers to adapt their language use to different situations and interact effectively with different groups of people.

         

3.     Discourse Competence:

Discourse competence refers to the knowledge of how to structure and organize larger units of language beyond individual sentences. It involves understanding the coherence and cohesion of texts, such as how to connect ideas, maintain a topic, and use discourse markers and cohesive devices. It enables speakers to participate in conversations, tell stories, and convey information effectively.

 

4.     Strategic Competence:

Strategic competence relates to the ability to use communication strategies to overcome potential difficulties or gaps in linguistic knowledge. It includes skills such as paraphrasing, using gestures or non-verbal cues, and repairing communication breakdowns. It helps speakers to compensate for linguistic limitations and maintain effective communication.

According to Hymes, communicative competence is not just about producing grammatically correct sentences, but also about understanding and applying language in context. It involves the ability to interpret and convey intended meanings, take into account social and cultural factors, and adapt to various communicative situations. The goal of language teaching and learning, from a communicative approach, is to develop learners' communicative competence so that they can use language fluently, accurately, and appropriately in real-life interactions.

 

 

b)    How did Dell Hymes's work influence the development of the communicative approach to language acquisition? (10 Marks)

Solution:

Dell Hymes's work had a significant influence on the development of the communicative approach to language acquisition. His concept of communicative competence provided a theoretical framework that shifted the focus from merely learning the rules of grammar and syntax to understanding and using language in real-world contexts. Hymes's ideas challenged the traditional view of language learning as a primarily formal and rule-based process and emphasized the importance of considering the social and cultural aspects of language use.

Hymes's work contributed to the understanding that language is not solely a system of abstract rules but is embedded in social and cultural contexts. This understanding became a central rule of the communicative approach, which emphasizes the need for learners to acquire not only linguistic knowledge but also the ability to use language appropriately and effectively in various communicative situations.

By proposing the components of communicative competence, Hymes provided a comprehensive framework that acknowledged the multiple dimensions involved in language learning. This framework expanded the notion of language proficiency beyond grammatical correctness to include sociolinguistic awareness, discourse skills, and strategic competence.

Hymes's emphasis on sociolinguistic competence highlighted the importance of understanding language variation, social norms, and cultural conventions. This aspect of communicative competence has influenced language teaching methods by encouraging teachers to expose learners to authentic language use in diverse contexts and to incorporate sociocultural elements into language instruction.

Hymes's concept of discourse competence emphasized the importance of understanding how language functions beyond the sentence level. This perspective promoted teaching strategies that focus on developing learners' ability to engage in meaningful communication, including practicing conversation skills, understanding discourse markers, and organizing coherent and cohesive spoken or written texts.

Dell Hymes's work laid the foundation for the communicative approach to language acquisition by emphasizing the importance of using language in authentic, real-world contexts and considering the social and cultural aspects of communication. His ideas have influenced language teaching methodologies and have led to a more holistic and learner-centered approach to language instruction.