Computer-assisted language learning and communicative competence

Abstract

There is no doubt that technology has had an immense impact on the landscape of language learning and teaching, bringing shifts in the interactions among learners and teachers, the learning processes, and the learning environment. With various modalities used for communication as a result of advancements in technology, it comes as no surprise that the notion of communicative competence has also been influenced. The main thrust of this chapter is thus to explore the impact of technology upon communicative competence in terms of linguistic, pragmalinguistic, sociolinguistic, strategic, and discourse competences. Specifically, the chapter begins by examining the ways in which technology-mediated communication differs from face-to-face communication, drawing upon recent research conducted in the field of computer-assisted language learning. The subsequent sections look at how communicative competence has evolved in light of the changes brought upon by different technologies. Finally, this chapter will conclude with a discussion of future research directions on communicative competence, considering the ever-evolving nature of language education.