Cue Cards Definition of Terms

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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 14 function, in which the primary purpose of speech is the maintenance of social relationships. Scoot Thornbury 2005 as cited in Harmer 2007, p. 343 suggests that there are various dimensions of different speaking events to differentiate speaking genres. Based on the purpose of speaking, speaking can be categorized into two types. They are transactional function and interpersonal function. Harmer 2007 explains “transactional funtion has its main purpose in conveying information and facilitating the exchange of goods and services, whereas the interpersonal functional is all about mainta ining and sustaining good relations between people” p. 343. Harmer 2007 also shows another categorization of speaking. They are interactive and non-interactive. Interactive speaking is the conversation done by two or more people in which each person speaks. Each person will give and receive the information. The example of interactive speaking is the conversation that takes place between the seller and the customer in the market. While non- interactive speaking is the conversation that involves two or more people but there is only one person who is the most dominant. The example of non-interactive speaking is leaving message on the phone. The last categorization that is shown by Harmer 2007, p. 343 is planned and unplanned speaking. Planned speaking is the situation when the speaker can prepare what he or she is going to speak. The example of planned speaking is a lecture or wedding speech. Unplanned speaking is the situation when the speaker