CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction
The present study is about the evaluation of communicative
competence in conversational English among English Language Learners in the
literary option. It involves notions such as language, communication,
communicative competence, the language learning and acquisition, and then, it
involves instructional technologies in communicative language teaching. Since
the above notions are almost repeated throughout the whole dissertation, this
chapter enables readers to understand better what each of these issues is
about.
2.2. Definition and Views on Language
2.2.1. Definition
As far as the term «language» is concerned, people
can refer to it in different ways according to the context in which it is used.
The language should be referred to as any means of communication between all
beings such as animals, human beings, etc. There is also the programming
language, which is used when designing computer programmes. However, the
language concerned with this research is what International Student Edition
(2002, p.798) defines as «A particular form of words and speech used to
the people of a country area or a social group».
According to DeSantis (1999, p.80), «The language is a
system of signs, sounds, gestures or marks that is used and understood to
express ideas and feelings among people within a community, a nation, a
geographical area or a cultural tradition». Gamble and Gamble (2002,
p.112) added that «Language is a unified system of symbols that permits a
sharing of meanings». Here, these symbols, which represent things, are
words. (op cit)
It is noticed that these writers have different views on
language but most of them turn around its main purpose of enabling
communication between its users. Therefore, it is up to those users to master
the language as a system. That is why Payne (2001) focuses not only on the
mixture of its structures but also on the real message to be transmitted
properly so that the language may accomplish its main role of ensuring the
communication in real-life context.
2.2.2. The Importance of Language
DeSantis (1999) says that the language is the basis of the
human communication. According to him it is a useful tool of communication
because its words and words' patterns are used to exchange meanings between
persons and even between generations; therefore it allows us to encounter our
world in a meaningful way.
However, this importance can be remarkable only if the
language is properly used. That is the reason why all language learners must be
aware of the proper use of the language as a tool of communication.
2.2.3. Qualities of
Effective Language
Allen and McKerrow (1977), discussing about the qualities of
effective language, say that the language essential qualities that contribute
to speaking excellence are appropriateness, clarity and vividness.
1o Appropriateness
Talking about appropriateness, they say that the language is
appropriate when it is adapted to the speaker, the audience, and the occasion
of speaking. Therefore, failure to adapt it to any of these concerns may
interfere with effective communication.
2o Clarity
They continue saying that, if the audience does not understand
your message, it may be that your ideas lack clarity. They add that the
achievement of clarity depend on the use of simple and specific expressions.
3o Vividness
Vividness is that quality of style that renders ideas
compelling and memorable. They say that the primary attributes of a vivid style
are forcefulness and freshness. Here, forcefulness is concerned with attracting
the audience's attention on the speaker's subject.
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