EFL Learners Communicative Competence in Undergraduate Programmes in Pakistan: A Case of Two Universities in Pakistan

Abstract

Nowadays the English language is considered a language of education, business and research.  Since English is medium of learning at tertiary level and learners’ competence in English language decides their academic success.  The aim of this study was to explore the undergraduate programmes students and teachers’ beliefs about communicative competence and its need for language learning at tertiary level. This study used a descriptive survey method to collect the data from teachers and students of the National College of Business Administration and Economics University and University of Central Punjab Lahore.  300 students and 25 teachers from the English Language faculties were selected using random convenient sampling method.  The results of the study have shown that teachers and students have clarity about the concept of communicative competence and believe it is important for job and academic success. Teachers’ low proficiency, lack of interest in speaking in English, outdated syllabus, traditional teaching methods and not training the students “How to learn” are the main difficulties in developing communicative abilities of the students. Students believe they need to be self-reliant, responsible and use new strategies for their learning. On the other hand teachers believe training, authentic material, oral practice of English and new methods are indispensible for the development of communicative competence of the students.  The findings of the study are significant for the English language teachers, trainers and policy makers in order to focus the communicative needs of the students at tertiary level in Pakistan.