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Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
THE CONCEPT OF SPEECH COMPETENCE AND ITS COMPONENTS
Maftuna Khabibova
Kimyo International University in Tashkent
Assistant teacher of English language department
Abstract
: Speech competence is an important element of language acquisition, which
includes a person's ability to use language effectively and appropriately in various
communicative situations. This concept encompasses cognitive, social, and emotional aspects
that go beyond ordinary linguistic knowledge and allow for effective communication. This
article examines various components of speech competence, including grammatical competence,
sociolinguistic competence, discourse competence, and strategic competence. These components
work together to ensure successful communication in various social, academic, and professional
environments. The article also discusses the relevance of speech competence in modern language
teaching, communication theories, and its practical application in everyday communication.
Keywords:
Speech Competence, Linguistic Competence, Sociolinguistic Competence,
Discourse Competence, Communication, Language Acquisition, Effective Communication
Introduction
Speech competence is a term often used in linguistics and communication to describe the
knowledge and skills necessary for effective oral communication. This means not only the ability
to use grammar correctly, but also the ability to communicate socially appropriately with others,
construct meaningful speech, and apply strategies that improve communication. If traditionally
language competence is mainly associated with grammatical rules and vocabulary, then modern
theories of communication emphasize a broader scope. Speech competence includes cognitive,
social, and emotional factors that influence a person's perception, interpretation, and creation of
speech in real conditions.
Understanding speech competence in the field of applied linguistics and language teaching
is important for developing effective teaching methods and improving communication skills. The
study of speech competence is especially relevant in today's globalized world, where people of
different linguocultural backgrounds regularly communicate. The ability to adapt to various
communication conditions and understand the social characteristics of language use is necessary
for successful communication. The components of speech competence are important in
explaining how a person can manage these interactions in formal or informal environments,
different cultures, or professional environments.
Grammatical competence
Grammatical competence, as a basic component of speech competence, means the
speaker's ability to construct linguistically correct sentences and understand them. This includes
knowledge of syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics. A person with grammatical
competence can construct sentences correctly, construct interrogative sentences, and correctly
use tenses and structures. Although grammatical competence is necessary for effective
communication, it does not guarantee the speaker's ability to successfully convey meaning in all
social situations. It provides the basic structure for communication, but for successful interaction,
it must be supplemented with other components.
In language teaching, grammatical competence is often the main focus, as it is relatively
easy to assess and teach. Traditional methods of language teaching usually pay special attention
to vocabulary acquisition, sentence structure, and pronunciation. However, in modern
communicative approaches, grammatical competence is considered as part of a wide range of
skills necessary for full speech competence.
Sociolinguistic competence
Sociolinguistic competence means the speaker's ability to use language in accordance with
social contexts, norms, and expectations. This includes an understanding of the social rules
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governing the use of language, such as politeness strategies, registration, and the use of formal or
informal language. A speaker with strong sociolinguistic competence can adapt their language
depending on the relationship with the listener, the formality of the situation, and cultural norms.
For example, in many cultures, the language used with a boss or an adult differs
significantly from the language used with a peer or subordinate. Sociolinguistic competence
ensures respectful and effective communication, prevents misunderstandings, and fosters
positive social relationships. Sociolinguistic competence in learning a second language is often
one of the most difficult aspects for learners, since it includes not only linguistic knowledge, but
also cultural understanding. Discourse competence also includes the ability to adapt speech to
different contexts, for example, from a formal academic presentation to a more casual, informal
discussion with friends. Successful communicators must be able to engage their audience and
ensure that their message is organized clearly and logically. Discourse competence also includes
understanding the hidden rules of conversation, for example, taking turns participating in
dialogue, correctly answering questions, showing the beginning and end of topics.
Strategic competence
Strategic competence - the ability to use communication strategies to overcome difficulties
in real-time communication. This includes filling gaps in language proficiency, managing
communication disruptions, and ensuring that the message is understandable despite potential
linguistic or cultural barriers. A speaker with strong strategic competence can use paraphrase,
circular speech, explanatory requests, or nonverbal signals (such as gestures) to continue the
conversation.
Strategic competence is important in language teaching, as it provides students with tools
to overcome difficulties arising from misunderstandings, incorrect communication, or dynamic
interaction. It encourages students to focus on communication as a goal, not on perfection in
grammar or vocabulary. Through practice, students can gain self-confidence in overcoming
difficulties in unfamiliar situations or in communicating with native speakers.
Combining the components of speech competence
Although each component of speech competence is separate, they are not separated from
each other. They work together to ensure effective communication. For example, strong
grammatical competence is necessary for constructing meaningful sentences, but without
sociolinguistic competence, a speaker can use grammatically correct but socially unacceptable
language. Similarly, without discursive competence, the speaker may not be able to consistently
organize their thoughts and can lead to confusion. Strategic competence connects all these
components by providing the speaker with tools for solving real-world communication
difficulties.
When teaching and learning a language, it is necessary to pay attention to the integration
of these components. Modern approaches support communicative teaching methods that
encourage students to use all these competencies together, rather than teaching each component
separately. Such types of activities as role-playing games, discussions, storytelling, and problem
tasks allow students to develop all aspects of speech competence, develop clarity and fluency of
communication.
Psycholinguistic aspects of speech competence
Speech competence also includes psychological factors involved in the processing and
production of language. Psycholinguistic research has explored how people access their mental
vocabulary, construct sentences, and communicate in real-time. Cognitive processes such as
working memory, attention, and processing speed have a significant impact on speech
competence. For example, when a person speaks, they must quickly accumulate vocabulary,
organize thoughts, and construct grammatically correct sentences, taking into account social and
cultural conditions. Cognitive overload or anxiety, especially in high-level or unfamiliar
communication environments, may prevent the effective use of these components.
In addition, the ability to manage speech errors and correct communication interruptions is
an important part of speech competence. Effective communicators tend to monitor their speech,
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identify errors, and use error correction strategies (for example, self-correction). Understanding
the psycholinguistic aspects of speech competence helps to illuminate how speakers process
language in real time and adapt communication strategies to maintain consistency in
conversations. This also suggests that language learners, especially those acquiring a second
language, must develop not only linguistic competence but also psychological strategies to
manage the complexities of real-time speech production.
Pragmatic competence
Pragmatic competence is another important aspect of speech competence, which is
associated with the ability to effectively use language in certain social conditions. This
component focuses on the practical application of language, taking into account not only
grammar and vocabulary, but also how speakers adapt their language to social roles,
relationships, and situations. Pragmatic competence includes the understanding of speech acts
(for example, requests, suggestions, apologies), as well as the awareness of indirect speech and
intended meanings, often expressed through intonation, context, and nonverbal means.
For example, in a professional environment, speakers are required to use official language
and observe certain rules of communication. In contrast, informal speech allows for the use of
more colloquial expressions and less rigid social expectations in everyday settings. Pragmatic
competence is very important not only for native speakers, but also for language learners,
especially when it is necessary to understand and apply cultural nuances in communication. This
component emphasizes the importance of social learning in language learning, as a person needs
to be able to interpret subtle signals and manage conversation turns in various social
environments.
Conclusion
Speech competence is a multifaceted concept, which includes not only linguistic skills. It
includes grammatical, sociolinguistic, discursive, and strategic components, all of which serve to
ensure effective and appropriate communication in various conditions. The development of
speech competence is of great importance in today's globalized world, when communication is
beyond borders and cultures. Understanding the importance of these components in language
education will help teachers develop more effective curricula that not only teach the structure of
language, but also prepare learners for real communication.
As societies become increasingly interconnected, the ability to communicate between
cultures and contexts becomes even more important. Consequently, speech competence is a
matter not only of mastering grammar and vocabulary, but also of developing the ability to
communicate meaningfully with others in a social and situational way. Continuous study and
application of speech competence contributes to a person's success in personal, professional, and
academic activities, resulting in the possibility of better communication in an interconnected
world.
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