Which aspect of pragmatic competence concerns using language to carry out certain intentions?

Which aspect of pragmatic competence concerns using language to carry out certain intentions?

• A. Illocutionary competence
• B. Discourse competence
• C. Sociolinguistic competence
• D. Strategic competence

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is how language is used to perform actions and achieve specific intents. Illocutionary competence captures the ability to recognize and produce speech acts that accomplish something in the real world—like making a request, giving a promise, issuing a warning, or inviting someone to do something. It’s about the function of the utterance, not just its literal content. For example, saying “Could you pass the salt?” is not just a sentence about asking; it’s a request embedded in social expectations of politeness and listener response. That intentional, action-oriented use of language is what illocutionary competence is all about. Discourse competence concerns how we link ideas across sentences to form coherent longer texts. Sociolinguistic competence is about using language appropriately for social contexts, roles, and norms. Strategic competence involves choosing effective strategies to overcome communication barriers or gaps. The question specifically targets using language to carry out intentions, which is why illocutionary competence is the best fit.

The main concept here is how language is used to perform actions and achieve specific intents. Illocutionary competence captures the ability to recognize and produce speech acts that accomplish something in the real world—like making a request, giving a promise, issuing a warning, or inviting someone to do something. It’s about the function of the utterance, not just its literal content. For example, saying “Could you pass the salt?” is not just a sentence about asking; it’s a request embedded in social expectations of politeness and listener response. That intentional, action-oriented use of language is what illocutionary competence is all about.

Discourse competence concerns how we link ideas across sentences to form coherent longer texts. Sociolinguistic competence is about using language appropriately for social contexts, roles, and norms. Strategic competence involves choosing effective strategies to overcome communication barriers or gaps. The question specifically targets using language to carry out intentions, which is why illocutionary competence is the best fit.