Linguistic performance refers to an individual's actual use of language in real-life situations. It encompasses how people produce and comprehend spoken or written language, including their ability to form sentences, understand grammar, and convey meaning effectively. This performance can vary based on context, familiarity with the language, and individual skills.
In contrast to linguistic competence, which is the theoretical knowledge of a language's rules, linguistic performance focuses on practical application. Factors such as social context, cognitive load, and emotional state can influence how well someone performs linguistically, highlighting the dynamic nature of language use.