Diverse Conceptualizations of “Competence” in Second Language Research and Teaching

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Published: Jan 25, 2023
Keywords:
linguistic competence communicative competence interactional competence emergentism

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Daisuke Kimura
Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, School of Education

Abstract

This article traces the intellectual roots and developments of the notion of competence in second language (L2) teaching and research. Since L2 teaching and research invariably concern competence of some sort (linguistic, communicative, interactional, or otherwise), there have been countless attempts to define competence from diverse theoretical perspectives, resulting in a plethora of definitions as well as debates, confusions, and tensions. As global mobility and technological advancements prompt us to question traditional assumptions in our field, it is high time to take stock of how the notion of competence has been dealt with in L2 teaching and research. With a particular focus on interactional discourse, this short article offers a glimpse into the conceptual diversity regarding competence and facilitate further exploration of how it may be researched and fostered in view of modern-day complexities. The article concludes with a discussion of pedagogical implications and controversies.

Article Details

How to Cite
Kimura, D. (2023). Diverse Conceptualizations of “Competence” in Second Language Research and Teaching. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 16(1), 18–27. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LEARN/article/view/263429
Issue
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2023): LEARN Journal (January-June)
Section
Academic Articles
Author Biography

Daisuke Kimura, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, School of Education

An Associate Professor at Waseda University. Using Conversation Analysis as the primary methodological tool, he studies L2 and lingua franca interactions in diverse contexts and configurations. His research interests include English as a lingua franca, multilingualism, multimodality, academic discourse socialization, and study abroad. His recent works have appeared in Modern Language Journal, Journal of Sociolinguistics, and Journal of Pragmatics.

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