The “communicative
approach to the teaching of foreign languages” — also known as
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) or the “communicative approach” — emphasizes learning a language through genuine communication.
Learning a new language is easier and more enjoyable when it is truly meaningful. Communicative language teaching (CLT) is an approach to the teaching of second and foreign languages that emphasizes interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of learning a language.
It is also referred to as “communicative approach to the teaching of
foreign languages” or simply the “communicative approach”.
An effective knowledge of a language is more than merely knowing vocabulary and rules of grammar and pronunciation. Learners need to be able to use the language appropriately in any social context.
Theorists agree that meaningful communication supports language learning and that classroom activities must focus on the learner’s authentic needs to communicate information and ideas.
Grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary are, of course, necessary parts of effective communication. With the communicative method, two primary approaches may be taken:
1-Some teachers prefer to teach a rule, then follow it with practice.
2-Most, though, feel grammar will be naturally discovered through meaningful communicative interaction.
Its basic characteristics:
1. learning to communicate through interaction .
2. The introduction of authentic texts into the learning situation.
3. learners focus on language and the learning process itself.
4. An enhancement of the learner’s own personal experiences.
5. linking classroom language learning with language activities.
The communicative approach is concerned with the unique individual needs of each learner. By making the language relevant to the world rather than the classroom, learners acquire the desired skills rapidly and agreeably.
CLT is the most effective way to teach second and foreign languages. However, audio-lingual methodology is still prevalent in many text books and teaching materials. Go to: The Amideast Forum.
