Nowadays, English language is become the language of the world. It is the international language. Most of people in many countries speak English for communicating. Therefore, English is also important for Thais. As a ESL (English as a second language) learner learning English is quite difficult for me. However, I still try to improve my English skills. There are four skills listening, speaking, reading and writing. The most important to practice using English is to communicate. My teacher taught “4Cs and 4 genre of communicative competences.
4Cs is four contents of English Curriculum in Thailand. The learning area for foreign languages is aimed at enabling learners to acquire a favourable attitude towards foreign languages, the ability to use foreign languages for communicating in various situations, seeking knowledge, engaging in a livelihood and pursuing further education at higher levels. Learners will thus have knowledge and understanding of stories and cultural diversity of the world community, and will be able to creatively convey Thai concepts and culture to the global society. The main contents include: English for Communication use English language for listening, speaking, reading and writing, exchanging data and information, expressing feelings and opinions, interpreting, presenting data, concepts and views on various matters, and creating interpersonal relationships appropriately. English for Culture use of English language harmonious with culture of native speakers; relationships, similarities and differences between languages and cultures of native speakers; languages and cultures of native speakers and Thai culture; and appropriate application. English for Connection (Relationship with Other Learning Areas) use of foreign languages to link knowledge with other learning areas. English for Community use English language in various situations, both in the classroom and the outside community and the global society.(Think globally, Act locally).
Communicative Competence is the ability to apply grammatical, discourse, and cultural knowledge to communicate effectively in particular purpose. There are four genres of communicative Competences. Grammatical Competence or Linguistic Competence,Sociolinguistics Competence, Discourse Competence and Strategic Competence. Grammatical Competence or Linguistic Competence focuses on how to use the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of a language. Sociolinguistics Competence focuses on language register and the relationships among the people communicating. Discourse Competence is focuses on how to interpret the context. Strategic Competence is focuses on how to solve the problem about learning English.
To sum up, Communicative competences are the basic skills for learner to learn English language. English Language plays an important role in today’s international society. Four macro skills are listening, speaking, reading and writing. As a university student, we have to know and understand four contents of English language that is English for Communication, English for culture, English for Content or Connection and English for Community. I will try my best to learn English language. Practice makes perfect!
