Communicative Language Teaching

A. Definition of CLT
CLT is a teaching method to teach second and foreign langauges that emphasizes
interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of learning a language.
B. Characteristics of CLT
0. A focus on communicative function
1. A focus on meaning tasks rather than on language especially in grammar or vocabulary
study
2. Efforts to make task and language relevant to a target group of learners through an analysis
of realistic situation
3. The use of authentic materials
4. The use of group activities
5. The attempt to create a secure, non threatening atmosphere
C. The Principles

0. Classroom goals are focused on all of the components (grammatical, discourse, functional,
sociolinguistics, and strategic) of communicative competence
1. Language techniques are designed to engage learners in the pragmatic, authentic,
functional, use of language for meaningful purposes
2. Fluency and accuracy are seen as complementary principles underlying commmuncative
techniques
3. Students in communicative class ultimately have to use the language, productively and
receprively, in unrehearsed contexts outside the calssroom
4. Student are given opportunities to focus on their own learning process through an
understanding of their own styles of learning and through the development of appropriate
startegies for autonomous learning
5. The role ot the teacher is that of facilitator and guide, not an all-knowing bestowed of
knowledge