Discourse & Strategic Competence Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of pragmatic competence?

Understanding the literal meaning of words

Mastering pronunciation and intonation

Learning vocabulary and grammar rules

Understanding the message behind the words (correct)

What is the illocutionary force of an utterance?

The tone and pitch of the speaker's voice

The cultural background of the speaker

The speaker's intention behind the words (correct)

The literal meaning of the words

What is the relationship between form and function in language?

One function can be expressed through multiple forms

Form determines function

Form and function are unrelated

One form can have multiple functions (correct)

What is discourse competence?

The ability to create and understand coherent written and spoken discourse Signup and view all the answers

What was lacking in language teaching approaches before the advent of communicative approaches?

Explicit focus on the relationship between form and function Signup and view all the answers

What was a limitation of early 'functional' syllabi?

They presented lists of expressions for each function without contextualizing them Signup and view all the answers

What is discourse competence primarily concerned with?

References to other parts of the text and things outside the text Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of ellipsis in communication?

Omitting grammatically non-essential words, phrases, and clauses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of strategic competence in communication?

Using verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to compensate for breakdowns Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of relying on avoidance strategies in communication?

Fossilization of language learning Signup and view all the answers

What is the term that encompasses the ability to keep a conversation going, hold the floor, and understand what's being said?

Confluence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of task-based learning in language instruction?

Meaning and work on form follows Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between 'rates of speech' and interactive spoken communication?

Somewhat artificial distinction Signup and view all the answers

What is the debate about in terms of language instruction methodologies?

Whether to use task-based learning or not Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in explaining Pragmatic Competence?

It is context-dependent and nuanced Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Communicative Approaches to Language Learning?

Teaching learners how to use language to express themselves effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of Communicative Language Teaching?

To foster the ability to apply grammatical rules and know when and where to use them Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key components of Communicative Competence?

Pragmatic Competence Signup and view all the answers

Why is Pragmatic Competence important in language learning?

It enables learners to communicate effectively in context Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Linguistic Competence and Pragmatic Competence?

Linguistic Competence focuses on language knowledge, while Pragmatic Competence focuses on language use Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a situation where Pragmatic Competence is essential?

When participating in a conversation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of breaking down Communicative Competence into sub-skills?

It helps learners to focus on specific areas of language development Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pragmatic Competence

Primary focus is on the ability to use language effectively in social contexts, understanding context, intentions, and implications of language use.
Important for navigating nuances in communication, such as politeness and cultural norms.

Illocutionary Force

Refers to the intended meaning or function of an utterance, beyond its literal interpretation, such as requesting, promising, or commanding.

Form and Function in Language

Relationship involves how the structure of language (form) corresponds to its intended use (function), underscoring that language should adapt based on context and purpose.

Discourse Competence

Involves understanding how to construct and interpret extended spoken or written texts, focusing on coherence, cohesion, and organization.

Language Teaching Approaches

Prior to communicative approaches, language teaching often lacked emphasis on real-life communication and interaction, focusing heavily on grammar and memorization.

Limitations of Early 'Functional' Syllabi

Addressed only specific interactions without consideration for broader communicative contexts, often failing to promote overall language proficiency.

Focus of Discourse Competence

Primarily concerned with how language functions in discourse, including the ability to maintain thematic consistency and relevance across interactions.

Example of Ellipsis

In communication, ellipsis occurs when parts of a sentence are omitted because they are understood from context, such as saying "Want to go?" instead of "Do you want to go?"

Strategic Competence

Primary concern involves using various strategies to enhance communication effectiveness, such as negotiation skills, clarification strategies, and compensatory techniques.

Negative Consequences of Avoidance Strategies

Over-reliance on avoidance can hinder language development and lead to misunderstandings, reducing the opportunity for learning and interaction.

Conversation Management

Encompasses skills necessary to sustain conversations, including turn-taking, topic management, and comprehension of verbal cues.

Task-Based Learning in Language Instruction

Focuses on the use of meaningful tasks to facilitate language learning, prioritizing practical communication over form-focused practice.

Rates of Speech vs. Interactive Spoken Communication

Rates of speech refer to the speed of speaking, while interactive communication emphasizes real-time negotiation and adjustment of language based on feedback from conversational partners.

Debate on Language Instruction Methodologies

Centers around the most effective methods for teaching language, weighing traditional forms of instruction against communicative and interactive approaches.

Challenge of Explaining Pragmatic Competence

Difficulty arises from the abstract nature of contextual variables and the need to account for diverse cultural interpretations of language use.

Communicative Approaches to Language Learning

Primarily focus on enhancing learners' ability to communicate in real-life situations, integrating both form and function in language teaching.

Ultimate Goal of Communicative Language Teaching

Aims to develop learners' communicative competence, empowering them to use language effectively and appropriately in various contexts.

Key Component of Communicative Competence

Includes linguistic, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competencies, all essential for effective communication.

Importance of Pragmatic Competence in Language Learning

Critical for navigating social interactions and understanding implicit meanings, thus supporting more fluent and contextually appropriate communication.

Difference Between Linguistic and Pragmatic Competence

Linguistic competence centers on grammatical knowledge, while pragmatic competence focuses on understanding usage in various situations.

Situation Requiring Pragmatic Competence

Example includes attending a business meeting where understanding implicit cues, politeness norms, and indirect requests is essential for effective communication.

Benefit of Breaking Down Communicative Competence

Simplifies assessment and teaching by allowing targeted focus on specific competencies, facilitating more tailored language instruction and practice.

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Description

This quiz assesses understanding of discourse competence, which involves combining groups of utterances according to their communicative function, and strategic competence, which encompasses verbal and non-verbal communication strategies.

Discourse Competence and Strategic Competence

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