Here's a breakdown:
Langue:
* Coined by Ferdinand de Saussure, "langue" refers to the abstract system of language, including its grammar, vocabulary, and rules.
* It's the collective knowledge of a language shared by all speakers, existing independently of any individual.
* It's impersonal and objective, like a blueprint or a set of instructions.
Competence:
* Developed by Noam Chomsky, "competence" refers to the internalized knowledge of a language possessed by an individual speaker.
* It's the mental ability to understand and produce grammatically correct sentences.
* It's individual and subjective, reflecting the unique experiences and knowledge of each speaker.
Commonalities:
* Both "langue" and "competence" deal with the knowledge of language.
* They both emphasize the structure and rules of language, allowing for communication and understanding.
* They both exist independently of language use (parole or performance).
Differences:
* Scope: "Langue" is a universal system, while "competence" is an individual's internalized knowledge.
* Nature: "Langue" is abstract and objective, while "competence" is individual and subjective.
* Focus: "Langue" focuses on the system itself, while "competence" focuses on the individual's ability to use it.
In essence, "langue" is the blueprint, while "competence" is the individual's ability to read and follow the blueprint. They are connected but distinct concepts, representing different aspects of linguistic knowledge.