Understanding Systemic Competence in Language Learning
'Systemic competence' in the context of language learning refers to the learner's grasp and ability to use a language as a coherent and functional system. It goes beyond just knowing vocabulary or grammar rules in isolation. It involves understanding how the various components of a language—such as its sound system (phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), meaning (semantics), and context-based use (pragmatics)—interrelate and work together effectively. Essentially, it's about recognizing and applying the internal logic and patterns that make a language function as a unified whole.
Analyzing the Options for Systemic Competence
Let's examine the provided options to see which best defines 'systemic competence':
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Option 1: Understanding that all humans have a systems of many languages.
- This option touches upon the universality of language systems in humans but doesn't define systemic competence itself. It's too general.
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Option 2: Understanding and applying that language works as a system.
- This option directly addresses the core concept. It highlights both the cognitive understanding (knowing language is a system) and the practical application (using it effectively because you understand how it functions as a system).
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Option 3: Understanding and applying that languages have a grammatical system.
- This option is too narrow. While grammar is a crucial part of the language system, systemic competence encompasses more than just grammar, including sounds, vocabulary, meaning, and usage in context.
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Option 4: Understanding that all languages have a common structural system.
- This focuses on similarities between languages (linguistic typology) rather than the internal workings and application of a single language system by a learner.
Conclusion on Systemic Competence
Based on the analysis, the most accurate definition of 'systemic competence' is the ability to understand and apply the knowledge that a language operates as an integrated system. This perspective helps learners use the language more effectively and intuitively, recognizing how its different parts connect and contribute to overall meaning and communication. Option 2 best captures this comprehensive understanding and practical application.
Important Questions from Language - Teaching
- A teacher asks her learners to write a paragraph on ‘water'. Then the learners start discussing what they have been taught in science and social science classes. Then they begin to write a paragraph on water. This is an example of :
- You were born and brought up in a village where everybody spoke Hindi and you too began using this language without going to any school. Later when you went to school you studied English, Sanskrit, Hindi and Urdu. Now, you speak English very fluently. Now which is your first language ?
- You are a Hindi speaking teacher, but you get posted in a primary school which is in the area of Punjab. Since you do not know the local language of that area, you should :
- When we say ‘Language is arbitrary', we mean to say that :
- Here is text or some statements. Find out which language register does this text represent ?
The Indian Constitution recognises every person as equal. This means that every individual in the country, including male and female, person from all castes, religions, tribes, educational and economic background are recognised as equal. This is not to say that inequity ceases to exist. It doesn't. But at least, in democratic India, the principle of the equality of all persons is recognised.
