Communicative Language Teaching
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is an approach to second-language education that emphasises real communicative interaction as both the means and goal of learning — prioritising meaningful use of language over rote repetition of grammar forms, and treating fluency as more important than formal accuracy in the early stages.
CLT emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a reaction against grammar-translation and audio-lingual methods, which focused on accuracy and rote repetition at the expense of actual communication. Its central principle is that language is acquired through use in real communicative situations — that meaning-focused interaction is the primary driver of learning.
Key CLT principles include: (1) communication is both the goal and the vehicle of learning; (2) fluency takes precedence over accuracy in the early stages; (3) authentic tasks and real-world language use are central; (4) the learner is active, negotiating meaning rather than passively receiving rules. Activities in a CLT classroom include role-plays, problem-solving tasks, information gaps, and discussions — all designed to create genuine communicative need.
CLT has significant overlap with the comprehensible input approach: both reject rote grammar drilling, both place the communicative act at the centre of learning, and both prioritise meaning over form. The main distinction is that CLT emphasises output and interaction from early stages, while Krashen's CI model argues that comprehensible input alone, without required output, is the core acquisition driver.
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FAQ
What is communicative language teaching?
It is a language teaching approach that prioritises real communication — learners use the language to exchange meaning, negotiate, and complete real-world tasks rather than just practising grammar drills.
How does CLT differ from comprehensible input?
Both reject rote grammar drilling. CLT emphasises output and interaction from early stages; CI theory (Krashen) argues that input alone drives acquisition and output practice is not necessary for acquisition to occur, though it may be useful for developing fluency.
Is CLT still used today?
Yes. CLT is the dominant framework in communicative English language teaching worldwide. Most modern coursebooks, communicative exams (IELTS speaking, Cambridge oral), and language schools are influenced by CLT principles.