Chomsky's competence theory:
* Focus: Primarily focuses on the internalized grammatical system of a language, emphasizing the rules and structures that allow speakers to produce and understand grammatically correct sentences.
* Relevance to teaching:
* Emphasizes the importance of explicit grammar instruction and accurate language production.
* Helps teachers understand the underlying structures of language, enabling them to explain and correct errors.
* Can be helpful in developing reading and writing skills, which often rely on understanding grammatical rules.
Hymes' communicative competence theory:
* Focus: Expands on Chomsky's theory by emphasizing the social and pragmatic aspects of language use. It focuses on how language is used effectively in different situations and how speakers can adjust their language to suit the context.
* Relevance to teaching:
* Highlights the importance of teaching language in real-life contexts and developing communication skills beyond grammatical correctness.
* Encourages teachers to create authentic communicative tasks and activities that engage students in real-world scenarios.
* Emphasizes the development of sociolinguistic awareness, helping learners understand the social implications of language use.
Integrating both theories:
The most effective language teaching often incorporates elements of both theories. A balanced approach would involve:
* Explicit grammar instruction to provide a strong foundation in language structure.
* Communicative tasks and activities to develop fluency and confidence in real-world language use.
* Focus on sociolinguistic awareness to help students understand how to use language appropriately in different contexts.
Conclusion:
Neither Chomsky's competence theory nor Hymes' communicative competence theory is inherently better. Both are valuable frameworks that provide insights into language acquisition and use. By integrating elements of both, language teachers can create a more comprehensive and effective learning experience for their students.