THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH IN LANGUAGE TEACHING: FROM LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE TO COMMUNICATIVE EMPOWERMENT
PDF (Русский)

Keywords

Communicative Approach, Communicative Competence, Meaningful Interaction, Task-Based Learning, Authentic Materials, Learner-Centered Instruction.

Abstract

The development of language teaching in the 20th and 21st centuries marks a shift from grammar-focused instruction to communication-centered learning. The Communicative Approach (CA) plays a key role in this transformation, emphasizing the use of language for real-life communication rather than memorizing rules. Based on Dell Hymes’ concept of “communicative competence,” CA promotes meaningful interaction, authentic materials, and learner-centered activities. This approach includes practical techniques such as information-gap tasks, role-plays, task-based learning, and project work, all of which help improve fluency and pragmatic skills. The article also highlights that CA does not ignore grammar but integrates it within communicative contexts. It further explains the new roles of teachers as facilitators and learners as active participants. Despite challenges such as large classes and assessment difficulties, CA remains relevant and adaptable. In today’s digital and globalized world, its focus on interaction, functional language use, and intercultural competence makes it an essential method for developing effective and confident communicators.

PDF (Русский)

References

Hymes, D. (1972). On Communicative Competence. In J.B. Pride & J. Holmes (Eds.), Sociolinguistics (pp. 269–293). Harmondsworth: Penguin.

Savignon, S. J. (2002). Communicative Language Teaching: Linguistic Theory and Classroom Practice. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Brown, H. D. (2007). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (5th ed.). White Plains, NY: Pearson Education.

Littlewood, W. (2004). The Task-Based Approach: Some Questions and Suggestions. ELT Journal, 58(4), 319–326.

Larsen-Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2011). Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Ellis, R. (2003). Task-Based Language Learning and Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical Bases of Communicative Approaches to Second Language Teaching and Testing. Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 1–47.