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THE CONCEPT OF LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE AND ITS COMPONENTS
Ergasheva Rano Ahadovna
Bukhara State University Independent Researcher
Annotation:
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept of linguistic
competence and its components. Linguistic competence is a person's ability to use language
correctly and effectively, which includes phonetic, lexical, grammatical, pragmatic and discourse
competencies. The article highlights the content and significance of each component and
analyzes methods for developing linguistic competence. The influence of modern educational
methods on this process is considered, and the effectiveness of interactive approaches is
substantiated.
Keywords:
linguistic competence, phonetic competence, lexical competence, grammatical
competence, pragmatic competence.
Language learning and the formation of linguistic knowledge play an important role in the
modern educational process. Especially today, when globalization processes are accelerating
and scientific and technological development has reached a high level, the concept of linguistic
competence is widely discussed in the field of education. Linguistic competence is a complex
concept that includes not only the grammatically and lexically correct use of the language, but
also the ability to use it effectively in real communication. The formation of such competence
requires different approaches in the learning process. The term linguistic competence has
become important in the education system, especially in teaching a foreign language, with the
development of the communicative approach. While in traditional educational methods, language
knowledge is taught mainly based on grammar, modern approaches consider language as a
means of communication. Thus, linguistic competence includes not only knowledge based on
rules, but also the ability to use them correctly in practical life, to choose appropriate words and
phrases in different contexts, and to communicate taking into account cultural factors.
In the process of forming this competence, language learners must master not only grammatical
aspects, but also phonetic, lexical-semantic and pragmatic aspects. Because being able to speak a
foreign language fluently or communicate at a high level in their native language is not limited to
knowing grammatical rules alone. For example, pronouncing a language correctly, understanding
how word combinations are used in context, and taking into account the cultural and social
aspects of speech are also important. The importance of linguistic competence is that it plays an
important role not only in learning foreign languages, but also in mastering one's native language.
Because a person's thinking, speech culture and social communication skills directly depend on
the level of language proficiency. For example, a person with high linguistic competence can
clearly and fluently express their thoughts, correctly interpret the text they have read or heard,
and adapt to different styles during communication.In today's education system, communicative
and interactive methods are widely used to develop linguistic competence. In particular, students'
linguistic competence can be increased through role-playing games, discussions, thematic
conversations, written assignments and multimedia tools. Because such methods allow students
to adapt to real-life situations, increase their activity and make the language learning process
more interesting. It should also be noted that linguistic competence is not limited to the
educational process, but is also of great importance in various aspects of social life. For example,
in the fields of diplomacy, journalism, international business and scientific research, a high level
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of linguistic competence directly affects the success of a specialist. After all, mastering the
terminology and speech culture specific to each field, being clear and understandable in the
communication process, and establishing intercultural dialogue correctly are among the most
important skills of today's specialists.
Linguistic competence is an important factor determining a person's ability to communicate in
modern society, and its development is one of the priority tasks in the educational process.
Learning a language is not only about memorizing rules and vocabulary, but also about being
able to use it correctly and effectively. Therefore, it is necessary to develop systematic
approaches to the formation and development of linguistic competence in the educational process,
introduce innovative methods, and constantly improve the pedagogical process.
Linguistic competence is one of the central concepts of modern linguistics and pedagogical
research, and includes a person's ability to use language. This competence covers factors such as
language knowledge, communication skills, semantic thinking, and understanding of the cultural
context. Today, the issues of teaching foreign languages, improving the effectiveness of
communication in the native language, and developing linguistic competence in general occupy a
special place in the educational process. After all, language is not only a means of
communication, but also an expression of thinking and culture.
Linguistic competence and cognitive processes: A person's linguistic competence is directly
related to his cognitive development. The ability to know a language affects the activity of
various areas of the brain, including memory, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Linguistic competence and learning foreign languages: The development of linguistic
competence is of particular importance in the process of learning a foreign language. Creating an
adapted language environment for students, forming natural dialogue, and using contextual
learning methods contribute to effective language acquisition.
Linguistic competence in language teaching methodology: In modern education, language
learning processes should be carried out on the basis of interactive and innovative methods.
Role-playing games, discussions, and the use of multimedia tools contribute significantly to the
formation of students' linguistic competence.Assessment and measurement of linguistic
competence: There are various international and local testing systems for assessing language
competence. Assessment systems such as IELTS, TOEFL, CEFR test the phonetic, lexical,
grammatical and pragmatic knowledge of the student. In the local education system, the level of
linguistic competence is determined through tests, interviews and written assignments.
To determine the main components of linguistic competence, it is necessary to first pay attention
to its meaning. According to the theoretical approach proposed by Noam Chomsky, having
knowledge of a language is not limited to knowing only grammatical rules. Language knowledge
also includes a person's ability to construct speech, use it in different contexts and use it
effectively in the process of communication. Linguistic competence is divided into various
components from this perspective, including: phonetic, lexical, grammatical, pragmatic and
discourse competences.
Phonetic competence is the ability to correctly pronounce the sounds of a language, control
accent and intonation, and master the laws of the sound system. Since the phonetic systems of
different languages differ, this competence is important for foreign language learners. For
example, while stress and intonation are important in English, nasal sounds (nasal sounds) have
their own characteristics in French. Therefore, phonetic exercises and practical tasks on
pronunciation play an important role in the process of forming linguistic competence.
Lexical competence, on the other hand, represents vocabulary and the ability to use it correctly.
Language learners should not only memorize new words, but also learn to use them in different
contexts. The ability to analyze semantics is also related to this competence, and it is important
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to correctly understand the meanings of words and phrases and distinguish their subtle
differences in meaning. For example, although the words "big" and "large" in English are similar
in meaning, the context of their use may be different.
Grammatical competence, on the other hand, refers to the ability to know the structure and rules
of a language and to apply them correctly in practice. Grammatical knowledge plays a significant
role in language learning, and these rules help to make communication clear and understandable.
However, modern language teaching methods emphasize that it is more effective to master
grammar through the process of communication rather than studying it independently. For
example, grammatical rules are more effectively mastered when explained and applied to
students in direct communication situations. Pragmatic competence, on the other hand, includes
the ability to use language tools in accordance with the social context. For example, choosing a
style when communicating with people of different social status, using formal or informal speech
forms, and correctly understanding ironic or metaphorical expressions are important aspects of
pragmatic competence. This competence is often associated with cultural and social factors and
is not based solely on grammar and vocabulary.Discourse competence is the ability to understand
and develop speech in a contextually connected way. This is especially important in the coherent
formation of written and oral speech. For example, when writing a scientific article or
developing official documents, sentences should be structured on the basis of logical connections.
The development of this competence helps the language user to express his thoughts clearly and
fluently during communication.
One of the ways to develop linguistic competence is the use of interactive methods. The process
of language learning can be more effective through the use of communicative teaching methods,
project-based learning, role-playing games, practical communication exercises and multimedia
technologies. Research shows that in the process of language learning, it is not enough to master
only theoretical knowledge, but also to be able to apply it in practice. Therefore, innovative
methods aimed at developing linguistic competence are widely used in the modern education
system.
Also, the variety of educational materials is an important factor in increasing linguistic
competence. Texts that correspond to real-life situations, communicative tasks, and the study of
literature of various genres help students to acquire language knowledge more deeply. The use of
audiovisual materials and interactive programs in learning foreign languages is also one of
the effective methods. After all, through such methods, students learn how to use the language in
a real-life context and develop the ability to express themselves freely during communication. In
conclusion, linguistic competence is an important concept in the modern education system,
which includes phonetic, lexical, grammatical, pragmatic, and discourse competencies. In order
to develop this competency, it is necessary to abandon traditional approaches and widely use
innovative pedagogical methods. Linguistic competence is a key factor in the formation of a
person's communicative abilities, helping him to use the language correctly and effectively.
Therefore, language teaching specialists and educational institutions need to develop special
strategies aimed at developing this competency and put it into practice. Linguistic competence is
one of the most important concepts in the modern education system, representing a person's
ability to use language. It consists of various components, each of which plays an important role
in the process of language learning and communication. Phonetic competence refers to the
correct mastery of pronunciation and intonation, while lexical competence includes the ability to
expand vocabulary and use it correctly. Grammatical competence ensures correct and precise
communication, while pragmatic competence requires the formation of speech in accordance
with the social context. Discourse competence refers to the logical and coherent expression of
speech.Interactive and communicative methods play an important role in the development of
linguistic competence. When innovative technologies, audiovisual materials, communication-
based tasks and exercises that correspond to real-life contexts are used in the educational process,
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students can learn the language effectively. Modern research shows that methods based on
traditional grammar and vocabulary memorization do not provide sufficient efficiency. Therefore,
it is necessary to use integrated approaches in the language teaching process. Linguistic
competence is a complex concept that represents a person's ability not only to know the language,
but also to use it effectively, and modern pedagogical methods and interactive approaches should
be used to develop it. This is especially important in teaching foreign languages and in
developing communication in the native language.
References:
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2. Hymes, D. (1972). On communicative competence. Sociolinguistics, 269-293.
3. Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to
second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 1-47.
4.
Bachman, L. F. (1990). Fundamental Considerations in Language Testing. Oxford
University Press.
5.
Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching.
Cambridge University Press.
6.
Celce-Murcia, M., Dörnyei, Z., & Thurrell, S. (1995). Communicative competence: A
pedagogically motivated model with content specifications. Issues in Applied Linguistics, 6(2),
5-35.
