Communication in the mother tongue Communication in the mother tongue

As defined in the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (2006/962/EC): 


Definition:
Communication in the mother tongue is the ability to express and interpret concepts, thoughts, feelings, facts and
opinions in both oral and written form (listening, speaking, reading and writing), and to interact linguistically in an
appropriate and creative way in a full range of societal and cultural contexts; in education and training, work, home
and leisure.


Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:
Communicative competence results from the acquisition of the mother tongue, which is intrinsically linked to the
development of an individual's cognitive ability to interpret the world and relate to others. Communication in the
mother tongue requires an individual to have knowledge of vocabulary, functional grammar and the functions of
language. It includes an awareness of the main types of verbal interaction, a range of literary and non-literary texts, the
main features of different styles and registers of language, and the variability of language and communication in
different contexts.


Individuals should have the skills to communicate both orally and in writing in a variety of communicative situations
and to monitor and adapt their own communication to the requirements of the situation. This competence also
includes the abilities to distinguish and use different types of texts, to search for, collect and process information, to
use aids, and to formulate and express one's oral and written arguments in a convincing way appropriate to the
context.


A positive attitude towards communication in the mother tongue involves a disposition to critical and constructive
dialogue, an appreciation of aesthetic qualities and a willingness to strive for them, and an interest in interaction with
others. This implies an awareness of the impact of language on others and a need to understand and use language in a
positive and socially responsible manner.