Compensation strategies, the attempts made by non-native speakers to remedy the disparity between their communication needs and the linguistic tools at their disposal, are examined. Two tactics for non-native speakers are distinguished: that of averting problems by acting on oneself, and that of averting problems by acting on one's interlocutor. The control system which makes it possible to regulate non-foreseeable problems arising from the difficulties in interacting with native speakers is explicated. Spontaneous conversation between native and non-native speakers and the pedadgogics of compensation are examined. The problems of training non-natives in the use of compensation methods, and the role of the language class as a place for teaching the methods are discussed. Compensation is viewed as an important factor in the development of communicative and linguistic competence. (RW)