What is defined as linguistic competence?

Linguistic competence refers to the theoretical knowledge of language structure and function. It encompasses an individual's mental understanding of how language operates, including grammar, syntax, phonetics, and semantics. This concept, introduced by linguist Noam Chomsky, distinguishes between what a speaker knows about their language (competence) and what they actually do when they speak (performance).

Understanding linguistic competence is crucial in fields such as linguistics, language education, and applied linguistics, as it enables educators and linguists to analyze how individuals comprehend and produce language at an abstract level, independent of practical communication skills. This theoretical foundation helps inform language teaching methods and expands knowledge on cognitive processes involved in language use, making it a pivotal concept in the study of language.