Knowing how to use different kinds of strategies. Example: miming, to express something when language resources are lacking is called what?

• A. Strategic Competence
• B. Sociolinguistic Competence
• C. Rhetorical Functions
• D. Short-Term Memory

Answer: (A)

Using communication strategies to convey meaning when language resources are limited is a hallmark of strategic competence. This captures the ability to plan and adjust messages on the fly—paraphrasing, asking for clarification, and using gestures or mime to keep the conversation going. The example of miming fits perfectly because it shows a nonverbal strategy stepping in where words fail, allowing understanding to be maintained. This isn’t about social appropriateness (sociolinguistic competence), the function of specific utterances (rhetorical functions), or memory capacity (short-term memory). The best description of this ability is strategic competence.