Pragmatics in English Language Learning

This book explores the benefits and challenges of developing pragmatic competence in English as a target language, providing international perspectives and practical teaching solutions. It also examines underexplored areas of L2 pragmatics research, making it a valuable resource for researchers, course developers, language teachers, and students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 257 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking book, written by an international team of experts, delves into the realm of developing pragmatic competence in English as a target language, both within and outside the classroom, among young and adult learners. The chapters present a diverse range of first language contexts, including China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, and Norway, offering international perspectives on the varying challenges posed by different first languages in fostering pragmatic awareness. The book outlines cutting-edge techniques for investigating spoken and written pragmatic competence and provides practical teaching solutions, both face-to-face and online. Additionally, it explores underexplored areas of L2 pragmatics research, such as young learner groups, the effects of textbook materials, study abroad contexts, and technology-mediated instruction and assessment. Innovative and comprehensive, this volume makes a unique contribution to the field of L2 pragmatics and is an essential resource for researchers, course developers, language teachers, and students alike.

Introduction:
The study of pragmatics has gained significant attention in recent years, as it plays a crucial role in language acquisition and communication. Pragmatic competence encompasses the ability to understand and use language appropriately in different contexts, including social, cultural, and educational settings. This book aims to explore the benefits and challenges of developing pragmatic competence in English as a target language, both inside and outside the classroom, among young and adult learners.

Benefits of Developing Pragmatic Competence:
1. Enhanced Communication: Pragmatic competence enables individuals to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of situations. It helps learners to express their ideas, engage in meaningful conversations, and resolve conflicts smoothly.
2. Career Opportunities: Pragmatic competence is highly valued in the job market, as it allows individuals to communicate professionally with colleagues, clients, and customers from different cultures and backgrounds.
3. Cultural Awareness: Developing pragmatic competence helps learners to understand and appreciate different cultures, customs, and social norms. It promotes cross-cultural understanding and fosters positive relationships.
4. Personal Growth: Pragmatic competence encourages self-awareness, self-expression, and critical thinking. It helps learners to develop their social skills, build confidence, and become more independent.

Challenges of Developing Pragmatic Competence:
1. Different First Languages: Different first languages may have different pragmatic systems, which can pose challenges for learners in acquiring pragmatic competence in English.
2. Cultural Differences: Cultural differences can impact the way individuals communicate and interpret messages. Learners may need to adapt their communication style to match the cultural norms of their target language community.
3. Limited Exposure: Many learners may not have ample opportunities to practice pragmatic competence in real-life situations, particularly outside the classroom. This can lead to a lack of confidence and proficiency in pragmatic communication.
4. Technology-Mediated Communication: The increasing use of technology in communication has led to changes in the way individuals interact and communicate. Learners may need to develop new skills and strategies to navigate technology-mediated communication effectively.

First Language Contexts:
To provide a comprehensive understanding of pragmatic competence development, the book includes chapters that present a range of first language contexts. These chapters explore the challenges and opportunities presented by different first languages in fostering pragmatic awareness.

China:
China is a country with a rich linguistic and cultural heritage. However, Chinese speakers often face challenges in developing pragmatic competence in English due to the differences in pragmatic systems between Chinese and English. Chinese speakers tend to focus more on the formality and politeness of language, while English speakers prioritize clarity, directness, and informality.

Germany:
Germany is known for its rigorous academic culture and emphasis on precision in language. German speakers often exhibit high levels of pragmatic competence in English, as they are well-trained in grammar and vocabulary. However, they may struggle with certain aspects of pragmatics, such as humor and irony, which are not as prevalent in German culture.

Indonesia:
Indonesia is a country with a diverse cultural heritage and a variety of languages spoken. Indonesian speakers often face challenges in developing pragmatic competence in English due to the differences in cultural norms and communication styles between Indonesian and English-speaking communities.

Italy:
Italy is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Italian speakers often exhibit high levels of pragmatic competence in English, as they are well-versed in grammar and vocabulary. However, they may struggle with certain aspects of pragmatics, such as indirect communication and the use of non-verbal cues.

Mexico:
Mexico is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. Spanish speakers often face challenges in developing pragmatic competence in English due to the differences in cultural norms and communication styles between Spanish and English-speaking communities.

Norway:
Norway is known for its high standard of education and emphasis on environmental sustainability. Norwegian speakers often exhibit high levels of pragmatic competence in English, as they are well-trained in grammar and vocabulary. However, they may struggle with certain aspects of pragmatics, such as humor and irony, which are not as prevalent in Norwegian culture.

Cutting-Edge Techniques for Investigating Pragmatic Competence:
The book outlines cutting-edge techniques for investigating spoken and written pragmatic competence. These techniques include discourse analysis, conversation analysis, and ethnography. These methods provide valuable insights into the ways in which individuals use language to communicate and interact in different contexts.

Practical Teaching Solutions:
In addition to exploring the benefits and challenges of pragmatic competence development, the book offers practical teaching solutions for both face-to-face and online learning environments. These solutions are designed to help language teachers develop effective teaching strategies that promote pragmatic awareness and proficiency.

Underexplored Areas of L2 Pragmatics Research:
The book also examines underexplored areas of L2 pragmatics research, such as young learner groups, the effects of textbook materials, study abroad contexts, and technology-mediated instruction and assessment. These areas of research provide valuable insights into the specific challenges and opportunities faced by different learners and learning contexts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this groundbreaking book explores the benefits and challenges of developing pragmatic competence in English as a target language, both inside and outside the classroom, among young and adult learners. The chapters present a diverse range of first language contexts and cutting-edge techniques for investigating pragmatic competence. The practical teaching solutions offered provide valuable insights for language teachers and researchers alike. By examining underexplored areas of L2 pragmatics research, the book contributes to the field of L2 pragmatics and offers valuable insights for practitioners and students.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108794930