Without input, there can be no language production Conceptual Orientation Second language learners need large amounts of contextualized, meaningful input in order to acquire language. Language development occurs as a result of the acquisition of new rules through participation in various types of communicative acts and the ability to activate either conscious or unconscious knowledge for use in unplanned discourse. Speakers make changes in their language as they negotiate. Performance refers to one s actual production and comprehension of a language in specific instances of language use. Remember the difference between competence and performance.
Competence is what one knows Communicative Competence Performance is what one does .
Only performance is observable. Only through performance can competence be developed, maintained, and evaluated. The ability to combine ideas to achieve cohesion in form and coherence in thought. Good use of cohesive devices such as pronouns and grammatical connectors. Strategic Competence involves the use of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to compensate for gaps in the language user s knowledge of the code or for breakdown in communication because of performance factors.