“Communicative competence” refers to the ability
to use language appropriately in different circumstances. There are two ways of
developing communicative competence in a language. The first is acquisition
which is similar to the way people develop ability in their mother tongue. It
is a natural sub-conscious process in which users are not usually aware of
acquiring a language. They are aware only of the fact that they are using the
language to communicate. In nontechnical terms, acquisition is picking up a
language spontaneously. It may also be
called “implicit” learning.
On the other hand, the second way of developing
communicative competence in a language is learning that language. It refers to conscious
knowledge of a language, knowing the rules of language use, being aware of
using them, and being able to take about them. In non-technical terms, learning
is to know consciously about a language. It may be described as ‘explicit’
learning.
Language specialists believe that acquiring a
language is more successful and longer lasting
than learning. Therefore teachers these days
encourage learners of a second language to practice and experience the language
in different situations where they are involved in communicating with others.
And that is exactly what the tasks in this book are designed to do.
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