THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING IN DEVELOPING FLUENCY IN EFL LEARNERS
Keywords:
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), EFL learners, speaking fluency, communicative competence, learner-centered approach, task-based learning, interactive activities, language acquisition, second language teaching.Abstract
This article examines the role of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in developing fluency among learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In many EFL contexts, students have limited exposure to authentic English communication outside the classroom, which makes fluency development particularly challenging. Communicative Language Teaching emphasizes meaningful interaction, learner-centered instruction, and real-life communication tasks. The article discusses the theoretical foundations of CLT, including the concept of communicative competence introduced by Dell Hymes and later expanded by Michael Canale and Merrill Swain. It also explores practical classroom techniques such as role-plays, information gap activities, discussions, and task-based learning. Furthermore, the article analyzes the advantages and challenges of implementing CLT in EFL classrooms. The findings suggest that CLT significantly contributes to the development of speaking fluency by increasing learners’ participation, confidence, and communicative competence.
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