Which term describes using non-linguistic means such as mime to convey meaning when words are lacking?

• A. Strategic Competence
• B. Socio-affective strategies
• C. Sociolinguistic Competence
• D. Rhetorical Functions

Answer: (A)

Strategic competence is the ability to manage communication when language falls short, using compensatory moves to keep meaning clear. When you can’t find the right words, mime, gestures, facial expressions, and other nonlinguistic signals help convey meaning and guide understanding. That exactly fits the situation of conveying meaning without words. The other ideas focus on different aspects—how language is used appropriately in social contexts, how to maintain rapport, or the purposes of discourse—none center on using nonlinguistic means to bridge a word gap like strategic competence does.