Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Practice
Keywords:
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), second language acquisition, grammatical competence vs. communicative competence, purpose of language learning, classroom implementation strategies, challenges in implementing CLT, issues with grammar-centric learning, language learning challenges in the Indian contextAbstract
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) has transformed language education by prioritising interaction, real-life communication, and learner-centred strategies over rote memorisation and grammatical drills. By incorporating role-plays, collaborative tasks, and authentic materials, CLT develops linguistic competence, fluency, comprehension, and confidence, enabling learners to use language effectively across diverse contexts. While its practical orientation bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, challenges persist, particularly in countries like India, where grammar-focused methods and exam-oriented practices often limit opportunities for functional language use. This article examines the implementation of CLT, its classroom strategies, and contextual challenges, highlighting the pedagogical measures necessary to achieve meaningful language acquisition and learner autonomy.
