What encompasses a speaker's implicit knowledge of their native language?

Linguistic competence refers to the inherent knowledge that speakers possess about their native language, including grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to form coherent sentences. This knowledge is often subconscious and allows individuals to communicate effectively without being explicitly aware of the rules they are applying. It encompasses the ability to understand and produce language, recognize idiomatic expressions, and utilize phonological rules automatically.

In contrast, options related to cross-cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and nonverbal cues focus on different aspects of communication and human interaction. Cross-cultural awareness involves understanding and navigating cultural differences, whereas emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. Nonverbal cues pertain to the body language, gestures, and facial expressions that accompany verbal communication. While all these elements are significant in communication, they do not directly address the foundational knowledge a speaker has of their language, which is precisely what linguistic competence captures.