2.3 Communicative Language Teaching
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is more focused on meaning rather than structure of
the language. The students are given a chance to manipulate the language meaningfully.
Production of the language is also given emphasis to make teaching learning process real or
contextualized.
In CLT, integration is emphasized rather than separation of skills.
The form macro skills in communication like speaking, reading, listening and writing are usually
integrated in a grammar lesson. These four skills are developed simultaneously and not
hierarchically. In a grammar lesson, the teacher has the option to integrate all the four macro
skills.
CLT focuses on form and function.
Language form and function interplay in CLT classes. Language form refers to structures of the
language functions such as making requests, asking for/giving directions, and the like. Notice the
following chart which exemplifies language form and function:
Language Function Language Form
Asking for information Can you tell…
Giving directions Please turn to…
Giving advises I suggest…
Apologizing I think…
Disagreeing I’m sorry…
I am really very sorry…
You have a point but…
CLT is learner-centered rather than teacher-centered.
While the traditional teacher is the authority figure in the classroom today’s teacher gives more
opportunities for the students to use the target language by providing them with situations where
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is more focused on meaning rather than structure of
the language. The students are given a chance to manipulate the language meaningfully.
Production of the language is also given emphasis to make teaching learning process real or
contextualized.
In CLT, integration is emphasized rather than separation of skills.
The form macro skills in communication like speaking, reading, listening and writing are usually
integrated in a grammar lesson. These four skills are developed simultaneously and not
hierarchically. In a grammar lesson, the teacher has the option to integrate all the four macro
skills.
CLT focuses on form and function.
Language form and function interplay in CLT classes. Language form refers to structures of the
language functions such as making requests, asking for/giving directions, and the like. Notice the
following chart which exemplifies language form and function:
Language Function Language Form
Asking for information Can you tell…
Giving directions Please turn to…
Giving advises I suggest…
Apologizing I think…
Disagreeing I’m sorry…
I am really very sorry…
You have a point but…
CLT is learner-centered rather than teacher-centered.
While the traditional teacher is the authority figure in the classroom today’s teacher gives more
opportunities for the students to use the target language by providing them with situations where
