Communicative competence involves understanding speech act theory from "summary" of How to Do Things with Words by John Langshaw Austin,J. L. Austin
Communicative competence goes beyond merely knowing the meanings of words and sentences. It requires an understanding of how language is used in different contexts to perform various speech acts. Speech act theory, as elucidated by Austin, delves into the complexities of language beyond its surface-level structure. It explores how words are not just carriers of information but can also be used to perform actions, such as making promises, giving orders, or expressing intentions. To be communicatively competent, one must grasp the intricacies of speech act theory to effectively convey and interpret messages in different social situations. This involves not only understanding the literal meaning of words but also the intentions behind them. For instance, saying "I promise to do it" is not just stating a fact but actually committing oneself to a future action. This distinction is crucial in grasping the full communicative potential of language. Furthermore, speech acts are not performed in isolation but are influenced by the context in which they occur. The meaning of a statement can vary depending on factors such as the speaker's tone, body language, and the relationship between the interlocutors. A simple utterance like "Can you pass the salt?" can convey different intentions based on whether it is said politely at a dinner table or angrily during an argument.- Communicative competence involves not only knowing the rules of grammar and syntax but also understanding how language is used to accomplish various goals in social interactions. By delving into speech act theory, one gains a deeper appreciation of the richness and complexity of human communication. It enables individuals to navigate the intricacies of language in diverse contexts and effectively convey their intentions and understand the intentions of others.
