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1. The Nature of Speaking
This part presents some theories related to speaking skill. The theories discussed in this part are the definition of speaking, characteristics of speaking,
types of speaking and the discussion of speaking accuracy and fluency. Further discussion about the theories related to the speaking skill will be described as
follows.
a. The Definition of Speaking
Bailey 2003 as cited by Nunan 2003, p. 48 states that speaking is the productive spoken skill consisting utterances to give meaning. Spoken language is
different from written language. Brown and Yule 1983 state that “the nature of
spoken language is distinguishing between spoken and written languages ” as
cited in Nunan, 1999, p. 226. Spoken language consists of short, often fragmentary utterances, in range of pronunciation. Nunan 1999 states that
“communicative competence includes not only linguistic competence, but also a range of other linguistics and conversational skills that enable the speaker to know
how to say what to whom, and when ” p. 226. It means that the speakers need to
know not only what they are going to say but also the setting when they speak and the person to whom they speak. Thus, speaking is an ability to produce the
language orally in order to communicate with others. Speaking is important to be accomplished by people because it is the basic skill in communication. In
speaking, a speaker needs to be able to deliver what he or she intends to speak to others by using the most appropriate form of language.
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b. The Characteristics of Speaking
Speaking is an ability to produce the language orally in order to communicate with others. According to Nunan 1999, p. 49, there are four
characteristics of being communicative. The first characteristic is knowledge of grammar and vocabulary of the language. The second characteristic is the rules of
speaking which consist of the knowledge to talk about different topics to different people in different situations. The third characteristic is the knowledge of how to
use and respond to different functions of language like requests, apologies, thanks and invitation. The fourth characteristic is the knowledge of how to use the
language appropriately. Bailey 2003 as is cited by Nunan 2003, p. 48 presents other
characteristics of spoken language which are stated by Van Lier. Van Lier 1995, p. 88 states that spoken language is an auditory skill. As an auditory skill, spoken
language has the characteristic of a temporary. Spoken language needs immediate reception and feedback. The rhythm, stress and intonation are included in spoken
language and it needs immediate feedback. In spoken language, the speakers have limitation of planning on what they are going to say and limitation of editing on
what they have been said.
c. Types of Speaking
Brown and Yule as cited in Nunan 1999, p. 27 draw a useful distinction between two basic language functions. These are the transactional function, which
is primarily concerned with the transfer of information, and the interactional
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