Which of the following describes communicative competence?

Communicative competence refers to the overall ability of an individual to effectively communicate in a language, not just in terms of grammatical accuracy but also in contextual appropriateness. This encompasses understanding social norms, language registers, and the subtleties necessary to navigate various interaction scenarios. It goes beyond mere knowledge of vocabulary or grammar; instead, it emphasizes the practical skill of using language effectively in real-life situations.

The correct choice reflects the importance of using language appropriately according to the social context, which is a crucial aspect of being an effective communicator. This means understanding when to use formal versus informal language, recognizing cultural nuances, and adjusting one’s language based on the audience and situation. In contrast, the other options focus on isolated aspects of language proficiency—like reading and writing, memorizing vocabulary, or exclusively understanding grammatical rules—which do not encapsulate the holistic nature of communicative competence.