In 1972, the British linguist, D.A. Wilkins, came up with a groundbreaking idea.

He suggested
that instead of relying on traditional concepts like grammar and vocabulary, language learners
should focus on understanding the communicative meanings behind words.

By doing so, learners could better express themselves and understand others more effectively.

What is Notional-Functional Approach is about?

-It is about the practical application of language, it is not about the theoretical rules.

 Organizes language teaching in terms of functions and notions.

-(written and spoken form of language-function/ the topics and ideas that a learner
needs to handle-notion) (Functions refer to the reason we use language within a given
situation. A function is a communication act that achieves a purpose such as inviting,
complaining, suggesting, complementing, offering) (Notions are elements of meaning
that can be conveyed using various parts of speech, such as nouns, pronouns, verbs,
prepositions, conjunctions, adjectives, or adverbs.) (a notion is a concept or an idea that
can be either specific or general. For instance:
words like “car” or “desk” represent specific notions or vocabulary
Concepts such as “time,” “size,” “emotion,” and “movement” are more general notions.)
(a notion can also refer to a specific point in time, like the past. This can include past
tenses:
Phrases such as “last year,” “in 2007,” and “a week ago,”
Statements using temporal clauses starting with “when,” “before,” “after,”)