THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEAKING SKILLS IN LANGUAGE LEARNING
Keywords:
Speaking skills, Language learning, Communicative competence, EFL classroom, Teacher training, Learner psychologyAbstract
It is generally accepted that speaking is a fundamental aspect of effective language learning and encourages purposeful communication and connection to the real world. Despite its importance, not many snap into action and develop good speaking skills. The act of speaking is perhaps one of the more difficult language skills to teach and learn. Speaking is also not deemed important by others due to assessment practices, teacher preparedness and framing it in a course. This article draws upon the pedagogical and psychological points of view regarding the subject and includes some discussion on what Richards, Thornbury, and Celce-Murcia indentified, to give meaning onto why oral skills are important in the EFL classroom. Overall, this paper established a viable means of incorporating speaking into language education in the EFL classroom context, balanced between learners' emotional development and real- life communication experiences. Looking at the issues raised, as well as offering pre-existing solutions, the paper validates the seriousness towards speaking within a relevant and contemporary educational context.
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