Autonomous Language Use

I think autonomous language use is being able to convey a message effectively. Autonomous language would vary depending on the level needed to communicate effectively and the environment the message is being used. For example, language autonomy for carrying out daily tasks would be different than that required for working in a busy office. Most daily tasks do not require a high level of language and the situation is usually not stressful and demanding in terms of response time. On the other hand, an office worker would need to be able to listen and comprehend phone messages and respond appropriately to clients and co-workers’ comments and questions with a higher level of accuracy and speed.

Thornbury, in "How to Teach Speaking" (pages 89-91), states that skilled performers (speakers) are fast, economical, reliable, accurate, anticipate and plan ahead. Skilled speakers have the vocabulary and grammar to communicate their thoughts with a minimal number of words quickly and accurately, and perform well in stressful situations.

Thornbury emphasizes the importance of automatizing the mechanical elements of a task so attention can focus on higher level activities. Speakers with language autonomy no longer have to focus on how to form a grammatically comprehensible response; instead, they focus on the content of the response. Speakers’ self-confidence is also a key factor in achieving language autonomy.