what is language competence

[peppermint]

I'm interested in doing research on children's foreign language (English) oral competence. But what is the definition for oral language competence? What is the difference between oral language competence, oral language performance and ommunicative competence? Can you tell me any resoruces for this that i can refer to?

[EFLwithlittleones]

These terms tend to point to the same thing, which is the ability and efficiency with which the interlocuter makes themself understood. If you want to investigate competency in more detail you will need to think about the context in which the language is being taught, for instance is it in an EFL or ESOL setting, one to one, in a classroom, at home and so on. Background reseach in socio-linguistics and course design will help you with this, and perhaps some pragmatics too. If where you are living you can access a library then books should be available to you in these areas. If you can do a TESOL post-graduate degree then this will give you an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable support in the area you have chosen to research.

If you would like suggestions for reference texts or further advice e-mail me at [email protected]

[12880579]

Hi Peppermint

I tried looking up some information and studies other people may have done in regards to English oral language competance. Maybe the following site will help?
http://www.ecu.edu.au/ses/research/CALL ... earch.html

Although the research done has been conducted with high school students, I am sure you will find the site useful.
I think you can even contact the people who did the research on 'oral language assessment and communicative competence' of the students. The site looks easy to use too.

Hope this helps

Fahima

[Macavity]

Hello Peppermint,
you could try looking in these books:
How Languages are Learned, Patsy M. Lightbown and Nina Spada, OUP 1999
Principles of Language Learning and Teaching, H. Douglas Brown, Prentice- Hall 1994
The Practice of English Language Teaching, Jeremy Harmer, Longmans/Pearson 2001

They should help you get a toehold

BW from your friendly neighbourhood mystery cat!