Compensation strategies enable learners to use the new language for either comprehension or production despite limitations in knowledge. Compensation strategies are intended to make up for an inadequate repertoire of grammar and, especially, of vocabulary.

Ten compensation strategies exist, clustered into two sets:

1.Guessing intelligently: Guessing strategies, sometimes called “inferencing” involve using a Wide variety of clues to guess the meaning when the learner does not know all the words:

 

Using linguistic clues

Using other clues

2.Overcoming limitations in speaking and writing: Eight strategies are used for overcoming limitations in speaking and writing. Some of these are dedicated solely to speaking, but some can be used for writing as well:

 

Switching to the mother tongue
Getting help
Using mime or gesture
Avoiding communication partially or totally
Selecting the topic
Adjusting or approximating the message
Coining words
Using a circumlocution or synonym