DEVELOPING COMPENSATORY COMPETENCE IN TEACHING ENGLISH SPEAKING TO UZBEK STUDENTS: A STRATEGIC APPROACH

Abstract: This paper explores the theoretical and pedagogical underpinnings of developing compensatory competence in teaching English speaking to Uzbek students. Compensatory competence, a key component of strategic competence, refers to learners’ ability to maintain communication despite gaps in linguistic knowledge. In the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction in Uzbekistan, many students face significant challenges in speaking due to limited lexical resources, low confidence, and the structural dominance of form-focused teaching. This article presents an in-depth theoretical analysis of compensatory competence, identifies the typical communication barriers faced by Uzbek learners, and offers pedagogical recommendations for fostering effective compensatory strategies such as approximation, circumlocution, coining, and gesture. The paper advocates for the integration of pragmatic and strategic instruction within speaking curricula to support learner autonomy and communicative resilience.