Which competency refers to the appropriate use of language in a social context?

Sociolinguistic competence is the competency that addresses the appropriate use of language within various social contexts. This involves understanding social norms, cultural references, and the subtleties of language that pertain to certain situations, audiences, and relationships. It ensures that speakers can choose not only the right words but also the right tone, style, and formality level based on who they are speaking to and the context in which the conversation occurs.

Grammatical competence, while essential for constructing correct sentences, does not encompass the social aspects of language use. Discourse competence relates more to the ability to produce coherent and cohesive texts or conversations rather than the sociolinguistic nuances. Strategic competence focuses on the skills used to manage communication and overcome difficulties in transmitting messages but does not specifically address the social appropriateness of language use. Each of the other competencies plays a role in communication, yet sociolinguistic competence is distinct in its emphasis on context and social dynamics.