Elt 02 2.0

ELT 02
The Communicative Approach

Magsino, Khyll Nicole R. III-H2
Introduction
Communicating using a foreign language is difficult as well as teaching it. The
communicative approach or Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is a useful way of
teaching a foreign language, which is the primary goal to ensure that the students can
communicate using the target language (in our case as AB English students is the use and
understanding of English). To achieve this goal, the students should participate and
communicate actively using the target language. Practice makes it perfect right?
Unfortunately, the present classroom routines do not always align with the intended
outcomes. Instead of using modern approaches in teaching, some teachers stick to the
traditional approach, the teacher-centred approach, in which the teacher is always the one
talking and the learners are always listening only. Communicative approach is a learner-
centered approach. The roles of the teacher and the learner is reversed, the learner will do all
the talking and the teacher will be listening ang guiding the learner.
What is the Communicative Approach?

Communicative approach that emerged in the 1960's in Europe, is a teaching approach
that highlights the importance of real communication. Aside from grammatical competence, it
also develops the learner's competence to communicate using the target language. It is a
learner-centred approach that gives the learner a social skill as to what to say, how to say, when
and where to say such language to satisfy his/her needs.
The communicative approach, which originally began as a reaction to the grammatical
translation method, depends on the notion that mastering a language requires the ability to
express meaningful ideas. It places less emphasis on the learning of specific grammatical rules
and more on obtaining native-speaker-like fluency and pronunciation. Students are assessed on
their level of communicative competence rather than on their explicit knowledge. The learners’
natural strategies for language acquisition will be used, and this will allow them to learn to use
the language.
Elements of Communicative Approach

According to David Nunan, there are five key elements to the communicative approach.
1. An emphasis on learning to communicate through interaction in the target
language.
The learners should be active in interacting with other learners, as well as with
their teachers, using the target language. Instead of memorizing the rules of grammar,
practising the target language should be the focus of communication. This can be done
in various activities like pair or group work, roleplaying, debates, discussions and many
more activities.
2. The introduction of authentic texts into the learning situation
The introduction of authentic texts into the learning situation can be a valuable
way to help learners develop their language skills, and exposure to real-world language,
helping them to understand the texts and giving them opportunities to interact with the
texts. The teachers can also help the learners to become more proficient in the
language. Some examples of authentic texts are newspapers, books, songs, interviews,
and speeches.
3. The provision of opportunities for learners to focus, not only on the language but
also on the learning process itself.
When we learn a new language, we are not just learning vocabulary and
grammar. We are learning how to think in that language. This includes learning how to
process information, how to make connections, and how to solve problems. This can be
done through various activities such as reflections, self-assessment, collaboration, and
problem-solving.
4. An enhancement of the learners' own experiences as important contributing
elements to classroom learning
Teachers can help the learners develop a deeper understanding of the material,
develop critical thinking and communication skills, and connect their own lives. It can
also help in creating a more inclusive and welcoming classroom environment. When
learners feel that their experiences are valued and respected, they are more likely to feel
engaged and motivated to learn.
5. An attempt to link classroom language learning with language activation outside
the classroom.
It is about helping learners see how what they learn in the classroom can be used
and applied in the real world. Teachers can help the learners to develop the language in
real-world contexts.
Communicative Competences
There are eight aspects of communicative competencies and are grouped into two
parts: The Linguistic Aspect and the Pragmatic Aspect.
The linguistic aspect focuses on the use of language in communication. The competencies
under the linguistic aspect are the following:
a. Phonology and grammar description
b. Grammar
c. Vocabulary
d. Discourse
The pragmatic aspect, on the other hand, focuses on the use of language in social contexts.
The competencies under the pragmatic aspect are the following:
a. Functions
b. Variations
c. Interaction skill
d. Cultural framework
Characteristics of the Communicative Approach

1. Focus on meaning
The communicative approach focuses on helping learners to communicate
effectively in real-world contexts. This means that teachers focus on teaching learners how
to use language to express their ideas and needs, rather than simply memorizing
grammatical rules.
2. Use of communicative activities
The communicative approach emphasizes the use of communicative activities and tasks in
the classroom. These activities and tasks allow learners to practice using the language in a
way that is similar to how they would use it in the real world.
3. Use of authentic materials
The communicative approach also emphasizes the use of authentic materials in the
classroom. Authentic materials are materials that are used by native speakers of the target
language. This could include newspapers, magazines, websites, and videos.
4. Focus on fluency and meaning

The communicative approach emphasizes the importance of fluency and meaning
over accuracy. This means that teachers focus on helping learners to be able to
communicate effectively, even if they make some mistakes.
5. Role of the teacher
The role of the teacher in the communicative approach is to facilitate learning and
provide learners with opportunities to practice using the language. Teachers do not focus on
correcting learners' mistakes, but rather on providing them with feedback on their
communication skills.
References:
What is the Communicative Approach by Andreia Zakime in August 23, 2018. Retrieved:
September 11, 2023.
https://www,whatiselt.com/single-post/2018/08/23/What-is-the-Communicative-Approach
Communicative Approach by Col Muhammad Khalid Khan. Retrieved: September 11, 2023.
https://www.slideshare.net/tauqueerkhalidkhan/Communicative-approach-35870321
Communicative Approach by British Council. Retrieved: September 11, 2023.

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/knowing-subject/c/
communicative-approach
What is Communicative Approach by LinguistikId on February 24, 2017. Retrieved: September

11, 2023.
Https://www.linguistikid.com/what-is0communicative-approach/
Communicative Approach by Teflpedia in March 30, 2012. Retrieved: September 15, 2023.
https://teflpedia.com/index.php?title=Communicative_Approach&veaction=edit
Communicative Approach by The Blessed Professor. Retrieved: September 15, 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRm-jQ0CJk
What is Communicative Approach, its Main Features, and Sample Activities to Use in EFL/ESL
Classes by M. Elkadaouie in July 1, 2018. Retrieved: September 15, 2023
https://moroccoenglish,com/communicative-approach
The Communicative Approach (CLT) – How to Improve the ESL Classroom by Erin H. in
October 10, 2020. Retrieved: September 15, 2023
https://makostars.com/esl-communicative-approach/#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20key
%20features%20of%20the%20communication,Less%20emphasis%20on%20error
%20correction%200...%20More%20items

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ELT 02

The Communicative Approach

What is the Communicative Approach?

Elements of Communicative Approach

Characteristics of the Communicative Approach

4. Focus on fluency and meaning

Communicative Approach by British Council. Retrieved: September 11, 2023.

What is Communicative Approach by LinguistikId on February 24, 2017. Retrieved: September

Communicative Approach by The Blessed Professor. Retrieved: September 15, 2023.

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