Good Communication

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: explore the differences between Grammatical Competence and Communication Competence.

These activities are designed to help you distinguish between Grammatical Competence (correcting grammar errors) and Communication Competence (conveying ideas clearly and appropriately). By working with both types of sentences, you can enhance your language skills and better understand these essential language competences.

"She go to the store yesterday."

Grammatical Competence

"They has two cats."

"They have two cats."

Communication competence

"I'll call you when I have time, maybe next year."

This sentence is grammatically correct but might lack clarity or appropriateness.

Does it effectively convey the intended message?

What improvements would you make to it?

Suggestions

"I'll call you when I have time, maybe next year."

"I'll call you at a more convenient time, perhaps next year."

Understanding Grammatical Competence vs. Communication Competence

English Language Learners (ELLs) often find themselves navigating the fine line between Grammatical Competence and Communication Competence. Grammatical Competence refers to the ability to adhere to the rules of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, ensuring linguistic accuracy in both speech and writing. For instance, an ELL may correctly employ verb tenses, word order, and articles in a sentence, as in, "She has visited the museum." On the other hand, Communication Competence extends beyond mere grammar, encompassing the practical application of language for effective interaction. It encompasses fluency, pronunciation, and the capacity to express thoughts clearly and appropriately. An example of Communication Competence would be when an ELL articulates a complex idea in a conversation, such as, "I believe the city should invest in public transportation to alleviate traffic congestion and promote sustainability." In conclusion, achieving a delicate balance between Grammatical Competence and Communication Competence is crucial for ELLs to become proficient in a new language, enabling them to both communicate effectively and do so with linguistic precision.

Good communication

The ever-growing need for good communication skills in English has created a huge demand for English teaching around the world. Millions of people today want to improve their command of English or to ensure that their children achieve a good command of English. And opportunities to learn English are provided in many different ways such as through formal instruction, travel, study abroad, as well as through the media and the Internet. The worldwide demand for English has created an enormous demand for quality language teaching and language teaching materials and resources. Learners set themselves demanding goals. They want to be able to master English to a high level of accuracy and fluency. Employers, too, insist that their employees have good English language skills, and fluency in English is a prerequisite for success and advancement in many fields of employment in today’s world. The demand for an appropriate teaching methodology is therefore as strong as ever.

While grammatical competence is an important dimension of language learning, it is clearly not all that is involved in learning a language since one can master the rules of sentence formation in a language and still not be very successful at being able to use the language for meaningful communication. It is the latter capacity which is understood by the term communicative competence. Communicative competence includes the following aspects of language knowledge:

Knowing how to use language for a range of different purposes and functions
Knowing how to vary our use of language according to the setting and the participants (e.g., knowing when to use formal and informal speech or when to use language appropriately for written as opposed to spoken communication)
Knowing how to produce and understand different types of texts (e.g., narratives, reports, interviews, conversations)
Knowing how to maintain communication despite having limitations in one’s language knowledge (e.g., through using different kinds of communication strategies)

Consider the following sentences that are all requests for someone to open a door. Imagine that the context is normal communication between two friends. Check if you think they conform to the rules of grammatical competence (GC), communicative competence (CC), or both.

GC CC

Please to opens door. [ ] [ ]

I want the door to be opened by you. [ ] [ ]

Would you be so terribly kind as to open the door for me? [ ] [ ]

Could you open the door? [ ] [ ]

To opening the door for me. [ ] [ ]

Would you mind opening the door? [ ] [ ]

The opening of the door is what I request. [ ] [ ]

Here are eight statements, with four of them showcasing Grammatical Competence and Communication Competence, two with Communication Competence but grammatical mistakes, and two with Grammatical Competence but poor Communication Competence.

Grammatical Competence and Communication Competence:

"I have thoroughly reviewed the report, and I am confident in our team's findings."

"She explained the complex scientific concepts with remarkable clarity, making it easy for everyone to understand."

"The project was completed on time, under budget, and exceeded our client's expectations."

"Our presentation was well-structured, engaging, and delivered the key points effectively."

Communication Competence with Grammatical Mistakes:

"Me and him went to the store to buy some groceries."

"Their decision to visit there was because of the beautiful scenery."

Grammatical Competence with Poor Communication Competence:

"Indeed, the operationalization of synergistic strategies for organizational optimization demonstrates a propensity for robust outcomes."

"Utilizing innovative paradigms, we shall endeavor to maximize our resource utilization, thereby achieving overarching objectives."

In the first four statements, there is a balance between proper grammar and effective communication. In the next two statements (5 and 6), there are grammatical mistakes that affect the overall clarity of the communication. Finally, in statements 7 and 8, there is a focus on grammatical correctness but poor communication due to overly complex language and jargon.

Developing a conversation in social and business situations

1. What is the main concern for non-native speakers of English when it comes to language usage?

2. How does the text differentiate between formal and informal English?

3. When is it advisable to use formal English, and when is it more appropriate to use informal English according to the text?

4. What are the potential consequences of using formal language in an informal context, as mentioned in the text?

5. What are the differences in sentence structure and usage between formal and informal English, as outlined in the text?

When should we use formal or informal English?

One of the greatest fears affecting non native speakers of English is not just being misunderstood but also being inappropriate when trying to express something. People often speak of language as being correct or incorrect. It would be more accurate to refer to particular language structures as being formal or informal, appropriate or inappropriate for a specific context.

In everyday conversation we do not have to follow the rules of grammar as carefully as we would in a formal address or a business letter. If we adhere too closely to formal rules of grammar in an informal situation, we may come across as being stuffy and unnatural. It is like wearing a tuxedo or formal gown to an ordinary business meeting. Formal English follows rules of grammar very strictly. Sentences tend to be longer and more complex. It tends to be used in professional and business situations. It is also better organized and thought out.

Informal English on the other hand is generally used with friends and family. A number of grammar expressions have common forms which differ in their formal or informal use. These differences are noted both in written and spoken English. However, they are most notable in written English.

As seen in our lessons, participating effectively not only requires a solid grasp of English grammar, but also an understanding of key communication factors. If you want more helpful language hints as to the most appropriate forms of English or key points to take into consideration each time you are using English, read on.

Explain the main concern that non-native speakers of English have when it comes to language usage.
Describe the key differences between formal and informal English as presented in the text.
Provide guidance on when to use formal English and when to use informal English based on the information in the text.
Elaborate on the consequences of using formal language in an informal context as stated in the text.
Detail the differences in sentence structure and usage between formal and informal English, as outlined in the text.

1. What is the main concern for non-native speakers of English when it comes to language usage?

2. How does the text differentiate between formal and informal English?

3. When is it advisable to use formal English, and when is it more appropriate to use informal English according to the text?

4. What are the potential consequences of using formal language in an informal context, as mentioned in the text?

5. What are the differences in sentence structure and usage between formal and informal English, as outlined in the text?

VOCABULARY

verb: seize, catch, grip, comprehend, understand, grab, clutch, take, apprehend, get, realize,perceive, gripe

noun: grip, hold, understanding, comprehension, clutch, apprehension

grasped past participle; grasps 3rd person singular present; grasping present participle; grasped past tense

Check

The main concern for non-native speakers of English is not only the fear of being misunderstood but also the fear of using inappropriate language when trying to express themselves.
The text differentiates between formal and informal English by describing them as language structures that are appropriate or inappropriate for specific contexts. It mentions that formal English follows strict grammar rules and is used in professional and business situations, while informal English is generally used with friends and family.
According to the text, it is advisable to use formal English in formal addresses or business letters. Informal English is more appropriate for everyday conversation, especially with friends and family.
The potential consequence of using formal language in an informal context, as mentioned in the text, is that it may make the speaker come across as being "stuffy and unnatural." It is compared to wearing a tuxedo or formal gown to an ordinary business meeting.
The text outlines that formal English follows strict rules of grammar, leading to longer and more complex sentences, and is generally used in professional and business situations. Informal English is noted for its common grammar expressions and is typically used with friends and family. These differences are more notable in written English.

Contracted Forms

Formal - Don’t use contracted forms, use the entire auxiliary verb: They have lived in New York for many years.

Informal - Use contracted forms: They’ve lived in New York for many years.

Relative Structures

Formal - Use relative structures: The woman thought that it was important to be on time.

Informal - Drop certain relative structures: The woman thought it was important to be on time.

The Use of ‘Whom’

Formal - Use ‘whom’ as an object: Whom have they chosen for the position?

Informal - Use ‘who’ as an object: Who have they chosen for the position?

Auxiliary Verb Usage

Formal - Always use the full form of an auxiliary: Have you finished your work?

Informal - Sometimes the auxiliary verb is dropped in informal speech. Note: This is often grammatically incorrect, but is certainly common in everyday usage: Finished your work?

Word Choice

Formal - Many words tend to be used in more formal situations. For example, certain verbs tend to be used in formal situations, but have other synonyms (often phrasal verbs) that are used in informal situations. Also, it uses more vocabulary derived from French and Latin (bigger words) It uses more synonyms and doesn’t repeat the same words as much. The police investigated the situation.

Informal synonym: We looked into the situation.

Passive structures

Formal - It uses more indirect language, making it less personal. The student was given a book.

Informal synonym: We gave the student a book.

Developing a conversation in social and business situations PPUBLISHED

How to be social at a party

How to be social at a party PP

How to build a positive attitude

How to Build a Positive Attitude PP

EXPRESSIONS Expressing disagreement

Notice how we can disagree with opinions.

Acknowledging an opinion and offering a different one.

Yeah, that’s interesting, but I think...

That’s a good point, but …

Well, maybe, but don’t you think that...?

Disagreeing with an opinion and offering a different one

Oh, I don’t know. I feel that...

I disagree. I think …

Well, I don’t think that’s true...

I don’t see it that way at all. I think that...

Ending a discussion

Mmm. I guess we just have different opinions.

Well, maybe. I’ll have to think about it.

I guess we can’t agree on this

Discussion topics
Fifty percent of all government officials should be women.
All nuclear power plants should be banned.
School should be voluntary after the age of twelve years.
All public transportation should be free.

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