Competency and Competence in the Sphere of Foreign Languages

Abstract

This article explores the evolving concept of “competence” and “competency” within the context of modern education, particularly in relation to foreign language acquisition and professional development. It traces the historical development of the terms, from their roots in linguistics and psychology to their current usage in pedagogy. The article highlights the lack of a universally agreed-upon definition and examines various interpretations, emphasizing the distinction between competence (knowledge and potential) and competency (demonstrated ability and application). It stresses the importance of these concepts in adapting to a rapidly changing world and emphasizes the multifaceted nature of professional foreign language communicative competence, encompassing linguistic, informational, and cultural components. The article concludes by noting the ongoing need for further research to clarify the definition, composition, and assessment of foreign language communicative competence.