VOCABULARY AS AN INDICATOR OF LANGUAGE COMPETENCE

This study examines vocabulary as a key indicator of language competence within the framework of Russian Lexicology. Vocabulary is considered one of the most important components of communicative ability, as it directly influences learners’ capacity to understand, produce, and interpret language effectively. A rich lexical repertoire enables learners to express ideas more precisely, while limited vocabulary often leads to communication difficulties and reduced fluency. The study analyzes how vocabulary size and quality reflect overall language proficiency in both receptive and productive skills. It also explores the relationship between lexical knowledge and communicative performance, emphasizing that vocabulary development is closely linked to reading comprehension, speaking fluency, and writing accuracy. In addition, the paper highlights the importance of active and passive vocabulary in assessing learners’ linguistic competence.