Developing Communicative Competence in Slovak as a State Language: Evidence from Hungarian-Medium Schools in Slovakia

Abstract Book of the 10th International Academic Conference on Teaching, Learning and Education

Year: 2026

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Developing Communicative Competence in Slovak as a State Language: Evidence from Hungarian-Medium Schools in Slovakia

Klaudia Pauliková

ABSTRACT:

This research examines the educational framework of state language education in Slovakia in schools with Hungarian as the language of instruction. Considering a broader context of European minority language policies and the trends and teaching guidelines of the modern Europe, the research explores the significance of Communicative Competence and its development in Slovak language classes. The study presents the findings of a questionnaire survey conducted on a representative sample of Slovak teachers, constituting 23% of the total Slovak teacher population operating within the unique sociolinguistic environment of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia (N=112). The findings reveal the honest perceptions of teachers regarding the educational framework of L2 instruction and varying degrees of influence on second language acquisition. Teachers demonstrate a strong willingness to adopt diverse communicative approaches and tools, however, there are several notable pedagogical gaps that force them to depend on traditional teacher-centered instructional methods, leading to an uneven development of their students’ overall competences. The findings clearly show that the educational system seeks innovation and transformation, requiring a comprehensive investment in resources that promote a well-rounded development of Communicative Competence, along with various practical implications for teachers.

Keywords: Communicative Competence; Minority Education; Second Language Acquisition; Slovak As L2; State Language