The Notional-Functional Syllabus

The Notional-Functional Syllabus is a framework used in language teaching that organizes lessons around concepts (notions) like time, quantity, or location, and functions, such as requesting, apologizing, or agreeing. It emphasizes both the meaning (what we want to communicate) and the form (how we say it). This approach helps learners acquire practical language skills by focusing on real-life situations and the importance of understanding language’s purpose, making instruction more relevant and effective for communicating in everyday contexts.