METHODOLOGY OF LEXICAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AUDIENCE: THEORETICAL ASPECTS AND PRACTICAL APPROACHES

The article analyzes the key theoretical and practical aspects of developing lexical competence in the process of learning Ukrainian as a foreign language. Lexical competence is considered an essential component of foreign language communicative competence, ensuring effective communication in accordance with linguistic and cultural norms. The author explores the peculiarities of vocabulary acquisition at the initial (A1), basic (A2), and threshold (B1) levels of Ukrainian language proficiency. The study examines teaching methods that include systemic-linguistic, conditional-communicative, and communicative types of exercises, as well as interactive methods such as language games, working with texts, and visual learning aids. Through the communicative approach, which involves working with realistic texts, role-playing games, and situational dialogues, the process of immersing foreign learners in the language environment is implemented. Based on the topic “Professions,” both traditional systemic-linguistic and communicative tasks adapted to the needs of foreign learners are proposed. The presented set of exercises is aimed at the gradual development of lexical skills, ranging from familiarization with new words to their active use in speech. It facilitates the development of reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. These tasks help foreign learners work with texts and create their own. The use of such methods contributes to increasing students’ motivation and enhancing the effectiveness of vocabulary acquisition. Reading or listening to texts about famous Ukrainians fosters linguistic and cultural competence. The described approaches can be applied both in classroom settings and for independent student work. The practical significance of this study lies in the introduction of modern approaches to teaching Ukrainian vocabulary as a foreign language. The proposed approaches and types of exercises can be adapted for studying other topics in a foreign language audience at all proficiency levels. Key words: methods of teaching Ukrainian as a foreign language, lexical competence, language proficiency levels, exercises.