Communicative Approach in Foreign Language Teaching: Advantages and Limitations

Abstract

The Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach has transformed foreign language education by prioritizing fluency, interaction, and real-world communication over rote memorization and grammar drills. This method promotes student-centered learning, task-based instruction, and the use of authentic materials, making language acquisition more engaging and effective. However, despite its advantages, CLT faces several challenges, including limited emphasis on grammatical accuracy, difficulties in assessment, and resistance in non-native English-speaking contexts. Traditional grammar-based testing often fails to measure communicative competence, highlighting the need for more effective assessment models. Additionally, teacher preparedness and classroom management remain barriers to CLT’s full implementation, especially in large class settings and regions where traditional teaching methods dominate. Future developments in blended learning, adaptive teaching strategies, and AI-driven assessment tools could help bridge the gap between fluency and linguistic accuracy, ensuring that learners develop both communication skills and structural competence. This paper explores the advantages and limitations of CLT, discussing potential solutions for integrating communicative approaches with structured learning methodologies to create a balanced and effective language teaching framework.