a word about linguistic vs communicative competence: applied linguistics series

Guy Cook, as previously mentioned, explores various topics in his book Applied Linguistics. One topic that is very thought provoking is his exploration of linguistic and communicative competence. Linguistic competence is defined as is the system of linguistic knowledge possessed by native speakers of a language, whereas communicative competence is a term in linguistics which refers to a language user's grammatical knowledge of syntax, morphology, phonology and the like, as well as social knowledge about how and when to use utterances appropriately. Thus, the core difference between the two is the knowledge of the language and the ability to appropriately and fluently use the language. 

Linguistic competence is an unconscious act. This means that the user of the language has access to vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and other language tools that allow he or she to use the language. Yet, just because one knows the language does not mean that they are able to communicate. 

This is where communicative competence steps in. Canale and Swain (1980) break this down into three categories:

1. grammatical competence (a knowledge of the words and rules)
2. sociolinguistic competence (a knowledge of appropriateness)
3. strategic competence (a knowledge of the appropriate use of communication strategies)

Language teaching has grown in the past decades from a linguistic focus to a communicative focus because what good is learning a language if one cannot put it to use? There are many who look up words one by one, yet they have no understanding of the grammar. There are others who understand the grammar and do not know the words. Yet, as linguistic competence increases, there are those who are so focused on saying things "right" that they miss the point of language: to communicate.

In the language classes that I have been apart of, there was always a push to communicate first. Though the linguistic understanding was crucial, the ultimate goal of the class was to communicate in a practical setting. Being able to assist in a TEFL classroom these past months has really taught me how important it is to TALK. Some many people get sacred and won't speak because they don't know how to say it. Oh, how I understand. But you cannot avoid speaking when learning a language because it is a productive skill, and a vital productive skill at that.

Communicative competence stretches beyond that of linguistic competence. Once we have the rules and functions down, it is important to be culturally aware. There are certain connotations to words that one needs to be aware of as not to offend, certain body language actions that are too much or too little. These are two of many communicative skills that one needs to be aware of to truly find fluency in another language.