THE ROLE OF NATIVE LANGUAGE IN DEVELOPING COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract

This article examines the role of the native language in developing communicative competence in foreign language learning. In modern language education, communicative competence is considered a central objective, encompassing grammatical, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic abilities. The study emphasizes that learners’ native language functions as a fundamental cognitive and linguistic resource rather than a barrier to foreign language acquisition. Drawing on theoretical perspectives from applied linguistics and language pedagogy, the article analyzes how the native language supports comprehension, facilitates meaning construction, and enhances learners’ confidence in communicative situations. Special attention is given to students of philology and language education, for whom metalinguistic awareness and analytical skills are essential. The findings suggest that the purposeful and limited use of the native language in foreign language instruction can positively influence communicative competence by reducing anxiety, promoting active participation, and enabling effective transfer of linguistic knowledge. The article concludes that integrating the native language strategically into foreign language teaching contributes to more inclusive, learner centered, and effective educational practices.