1. Communicative approach
● So far the approaches discussed have been following
analytical approach. They concentrated more on the
components of the English language namely words,and
their different forms and grammtical categories , their order
of appearance in the sentence etc.
● In the past few decades the changes in the learning of any
foreign language acknowledged that language is
essentially a tool for communication.
● The prime need of most of learners is not for a theoretical
knowledge of target langauage but for an ability to
understand and be understood in that language within the
context and constraints of a peculiar language using
circumstances.
2. ● The communicative approach is a learner
centred approach.
● It gives the learner not only grammar
competency but also a social skill to use a
language in a given context i.e: what to say,
how to say,and where to say to satisfy the daily
needs of a learner or other aims.
● Roger scott states that in communicative
teaching, “the focus changes from the accurate
production of isolated utterances to the fluent
selection of appropriate utterances in
communication.” the learner here is now
concerned with using language not “English
usages”
3. ● The communicative approach is rather more broad based.
It has for its goal not just communication but
communicative competence.”
● The term communicative competence is defined by the
international encyclopedia of Education (1985)as, “the
effective use of language in social context”
● William Littlewood (1981) defines communicative
competence as “ a degree of mastery of a very
considerable range of linguistic and social skills which
depends on the learner's sensitivity to meaning and
appropriacy in language and on his/her ability to develop
effective strategies for communicating in the second
language.
● Thus communicative competence is the ability not only to
apply the grammatical rules but also to know when and
where to use these constructed sentences appropriately.
4. The aim of communicative approach is communicative
competence
Thus communicative competence is:
1. Effective use of language in social context.
2. The ability to use appropriate language to a given social
context.
3.the ability to produce sentences for effective
communication.
4. knowing right usage at the right time.
5. the ability to state or write something which is
grammatical ,appropriate,fluent,formally possible ,feasible
and socially and contextually acceptable.
5. Characteristics
● Aim is to develop communicative competency and enable
the learners to use the language accurately and
appropriately.
● The main focus is on the learner. Its a learner centered
approach and teacher is a facilitator and group process
manager.
● Syllabus is Based on Authentic material.
● Emphasizes on functions of the language rather than
rules.
● Follows the principle of learning by doing.
● Pair work and group work is encouraged.
6. Merits / advantages
● Learning is a self generated excercise.
● Stress is on the “use” of the language rather
than on rules,structures and definitions.
● Learner acquires fluency,accuracy,and
appropriateness of english use.
● Enhances communication skill.
7. Demerits
● Cannot be used in overcrowded classrooms.
● Group work and pair work cannot be organised
in tiny classroom
● An average teacher with limited language skills
cannot make a success to this approach.
● Vernacular medium students don't have a
genuine desire to talk in English.
8. ● Learner centered
● Functional/task based
● Teacher is a participant and a facilitator.
● Fluecy,accuracy and appropriateness is
important.
● Careful use of mother tongue is allowed.
● Encourages group work and pair work.
● Motivates learner.
In short:
