Communicative Competence: The Role of Grammar in Teaching English as a Second Language

Abstract In spite of the global desire for multilingualism, English remains the leading language of science and technology, academia and industry, international relations and diplomacy in contemporary society. However, in recent times, the Language suffers a downward trend of proficiency at all levels of usage in all parts of the world. This Paper examines the extent to which Grammar in teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) could enhance the communicative competence of users. Purposively sampled for analysis is the Krahen\u27s five-dimentional Theory of Second Language Acquisition (SLA). In a qualitative approach, the Paper also explores viewpoints of other linguists critical to the Krashen\u27s Theory. Literature reviewed includeds basic rules of English Grammar relevant to English as a Second Language (ESL). The objective is to discover new insights into teaching Grammar as a tool of communicative competence. After a review of related literature and analysis of relevant theories, the Paper finds that Grammar remains central to the communicative competence in English. The Paper concludes that to ignore Grammar in language teaching is to invite disorder in language application. Among other recommendations, however, the Paper calls for an interactive and learner-centered approach to teaching Grammar in English as a Second Language to maximize communicative competence