Ms. Morales notices that one of her ESL students, Eduardo, often uses gestures when speaking in English. When Ms. Morales gives Eduardo directions, he usually restates or asks questions about the directions. Which of the following components of communicative competency is Eduardo primarily using?

Discourse competence refers to the ability to organize language effectively in spoken or written communication, allowing for coherent and cohesive messages. While Eduardo's gestures may contribute to his discourse, the key element in this scenario is his use of strategies to clarify understanding rather than his ability to structure discourse itself.

Grammatical competence involves the understanding and application of grammar rules in language use, ensuring correct sentence formation and structure. Eduardo's behavior does not directly relate to his grammatical skills; rather, it reflects his efforts to communicate effectively, which is more aligned with strategic competence than grammar.

Sociolinguistic competence pertains to the understanding of social and cultural contexts in communication, including knowing how to adjust language according to the audience or situation. Although Eduardo may be aware of social cues through his gestures, his primary focus on clarifying and restating directions indicates a stronger reliance on strategic competence.