Communicatif

Communicatif is a French adjective meaning inclined to communicate or capable of communicating. It describes people, behaviors, or styles that favor interaction, information sharing, and responsiveness in social encounters. In everyday language it can refer to a sociable, expressive, or responsive communication style, as well as to channels or tools that facilitate exchange.

Etymology: the term derives from the verb communiquer, from Latin communicare meaning to share or to make common.

In linguistics and education, the term appears in discussions of the communicative approach to language teaching, which prioritizes meaningful interaction over rote grammar. The closely related notion of compétence communicative, the ability to use language appropriately and effectively in social contexts, was popularized by Dell Hymes in the 1960s. In French usage, communicatif often appears in phrases such as compétence communicative, style communicatif, or attitude communicative to describe interactive capabilities.

In everyday or professional use, terms such as comportement communicatif and habileté communicative describe a person’s capacity to convey messages clearly, listen actively, and adapt to different interlocutors. The notion also features in discussions of intercultural and business communication, where a communicative orientation is linked to mutual understanding and effective collaboration.

Related concepts include communication, sociolinguistics, and language teaching approaches that emphasize interaction and pragmatic use of language.