Communicative Language Teaching

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is a language teaching approach that emphasizes communication and interaction as the primary goals of language learning. The approach evolved in the 1970s as a response to the limitations of previous methods that focused on grammar rules and rote memorization of vocabulary.
The core principle of CLT is that language learning is a communicative process, and learners must be engaged in meaningful communication tasks to develop language proficiency. The approach emphasizes the importance of real-life situations in which learners can use the language to express themselves and communicate with others.
CLT focuses on developing learners’ communicative competence, which involves four main components: grammatical competence, sociolinguistic competence, discourse competence, and strategic competence. Grammar is taught in context, and the focus is on using the language rather than just knowing about it.
The approach emphasizes authentic language use, and learners are encouraged to use the language to express their ideas, opinions, and emotions. Language is viewed as a tool for communication, and learners are taught to use the language appropriately in different social situations.
In CLT, teachers act as facilitators, guiding learners in their communication and providing feedback on their language use. Learners are encouraged to collaborate and interact with each other, and the classroom becomes a community of learners.