LANGUAGE COMPETENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY: THEORETICAL OVERVIEW

Abstract

The article is devoted to the theoretical comprehension of language and speech competence of specialists and scholars amid increasing demands for academic and professional communication in the Ukrainian language. Current scientific approaches to understanding language competence as an integral indicator of formed knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for effective use of the state language in professional and academic environments are generalized. Its two-vector nature is outlined (the theoretical and practical components), and attention is drawn to the dialectical unity of language and speech. Typical lexical and stylistic violations (Russisms, pleonasms, verbosity, clichés), which, according to researchers, indicate an insufficient level of language culture in official-business and scientific styles, are characterized in the article. The key factors hindering the formation of a high level of proficiency in the state language are analyzed: the influence of a foreign-language (particularly Russian-speaking) environment, social inertia, a formal approach to teaching, and psychological barriers (identity uncertainty, inferiority complex regarding the Ukrainian language, linguistic conformism). The theoretical foundations for improving language competence are presented, including the communicative-activity approach, systematic self-editing of texts, practiceoriented learning formats, and modern digital technologies (online platforms, mobile applications, gamification, simulation programs, and artificial intelligence). It is emphasized that targeted development of language competence is an essential component of professional training, a prerequisite for successful academic activity, and a significant element of contemporary Ukrainian academic culture and national identity. Prospects for further research lie in in-depth corpus analysis of contemporary academic and professional texts, evaluation of the effectiveness of digital tools, and development of specialized language competence enhancement programs for various professional fields.