THE IMPACT OF LANGUAGE CONTACT ON ASSESSING SOCIOLINGUISTIC COMPETENCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS

This article examines how language contact impacts the development and evaluation of sociolinguistic competence in primary school students. Sociolinguistic competence refers to the ability to use language effectively in various social contexts, considering factors like register, etiquette, and cultural norms. In multilingual environments, frequent exposure to diverse languages and dialects through peers, family, or community interactions fosters practical language skills and cultural understanding. Assessing this competence requires culturally sensitive tools that reflect diverse language use. The research emphasizes promoting positive attitudes toward linguistic diversity in schools to enhance communication skills, highlighting the dual effects of language contact on sociolinguistic development. It calls for further research into inclusive teaching practices that utilize students' linguistic resources for equitable outcomes.