Pragmatic awareness activities

1994 ◽  
Vol 3 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 119-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Tomlinson
Keyword(s):  
Pragmatic Awareness

Improving EFL learners' pragmatic awareness

2003 ◽  
Vol 141-142 ◽  
pp. 199-223
Author(s):  
Seran Doğançay-Aktuna
Keyword(s):  
Language Use ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Main Claim ◽  
Advanced Level ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Linguistic Resources ◽  
Pragmatic Awareness ◽  
Language Classrooms

This paper overviews the ways in which EFL learners' pragmatic awareness can be developed in language classrooms through focused instruction and practice. It argues that effective communication requires awareness of the conventions governing language use and attention to the characteristics of the context and the interlocutors, besides linguistic resources. The main claim is that even though some pragmatics data that is based on native speaker norms might not provide relevant models for learners of English as a foreign or international language, these learners still need to become aware of crosscultural variation in norms of language use and learn how to consider social and contextual factors surrounding effective communication. After defining pragmatic competence and transfer, the paper discusses possible ways for integrating pragmatic consciousness-raising into language teaching and the problems involved in this endeavour. It then describes a course designed to raise pragmatic awareness in advanced level EFL learners as part of their TEFL training program. The underlying principles, materials and sample activities of the course are presented and learners' reaction to the course is discussed.

Assessing the L2 pragmatic awareness of non-native EFL teacher candidates: Is spotting a problem enough?

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-65
Author(s):  
Karen Glaser
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Target Language ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Language Teacher Education ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
Efl Teacher ◽  
Pragmatic Awareness ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Research Gap

AbstractThe assessment of pragmatic skills in a foreign or second language (L2) is usually investigated with regard to language learners, but rarely with regard to non-native language instructors, who are simultaneously teachers and (advanced) learners of the L2. With regard to English as the target language, this is a true research gap, as nonnative English-speaking teachers (non-NESTs) constitute the majority of English teachers world-wide (Kamhi-Stein 2016). Addressing this research gap, this paper presents a modified replication of Bardovi-Harlig and Dörnyei’s (1998) renowned study on grammatical vs. pragmatic awareness, carried out with non-NEST candidates. While the original study asked the participants for a global indication of (in)appropriateness/ (in)correctness and to rate its severity, the participants in the present study were asked to identify the nature of the violation and to suggest a repair. Inspired by Pfingsthorn and Flöck (2017), the data was analyzed by means of Signal Detection Theory with regard to Hits, Misses, False Alarms and Correct Rejections to gain more detailed insights into the participants’ metalinguistic perceptions. In addition, the study investigated the rate of successful repairs, showing that correct problem identification cannot necessarily be equated with adequate repair abilities. Implications for research, language teaching and language teacher education are derived.

scholarly journals The Effect of Instruction on Learners' Pragmatic Awareness: a Focus on Refusals

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Alcón Soler ◽  
Josep Guzmán Pitarch
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Pragmatic Awareness ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Instructional Contexts

The benefits of instruction on learners’ production and awareness of speech acts is well documented (see Alcón and Martínez-Flor, 2008, for a review of pragmatics in instructional contexts). However, few studies examine the influence that instruction may have on the cognitive processes involved in speech act production (Félix- Brasdefer, 2008). In order to address this research gap, and taking into account the discussion in research on the concept of attention and related terms such as awareness (see Al-Hejin, 2004, for a review of the role of attention and awareness in second language acquisition research) this paper reports on the benefits of instruction on learners’ attention and awareness during the performance of refusals. Thus, based on a pedagogical proposal for teaching refusals at the discourse level, we focus on the benefits that this pedagogical proposal can have on the information attended to during the planning and execution of refusals. Secondly, we explore whether instruction makes a difference in learners’ awareness of refusals.

scholarly journals A theoretical outline of the importance of cross-cultural and pragmatic awareness in the business scenario

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 102
Author(s):  
Victor Marques Soprana
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Business Professionals ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Professional Success ◽  
Pragmatic Awareness ◽  
Globalized World ◽  
Pragmatic Knowledge

English has become crucial for professional success within the globalized world, and indispensable for communicating with people from other countries. It has become a Lingua Franca and, therefore, has been used to speak among people with different mother tongues who share English as a second language. In light of this multicultural process, this paper aims to provide the reader with a theoretical outline about the relevance of cross-cultural and pragmatic knowledge. Such aspects need to be specially considered when developing an English course for business students as there has been a growing need for professionals to be competent users of English within the business context. Due to this specific context, we have favored an approach – English for Specific Purposes – that targets specific aspects of the language. Our focal point is to validate the need of raising both pragmatic and cross-cultural awareness when teaching business professionals as they will probably have communicative scenarios where such capabilities would be remarkably advantageous.

Development of pragmatic competence among L2 learners

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-172
Author(s):  
Shannon M. Hilliker ◽  
Chesla Ann Lenkaitis ◽  
Barbara Loranc-Paszylk
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Video Conferencing ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Pragmatic Awareness ◽  
Compliment Responses ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Speakers Of Other Languages ◽  
Primary Focus

Abstract Although compliments and compliment responses seem to play an important role in discourse of second language (L2) classrooms (Khaneshan & Bonyadi, 2016), the influence of virtual exchanges on enhancing the use of compliment responses remains unexplored. Twelve L2 learners of English from Poland met in groups for six weeks, via video conferencing, with Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) teacher candidates from a university in the USA. During online sessions, the L2 learners’ primary focus was on discussion in English regarding assigned TED Talks. Data analysis consisted of statistical analyses using SPSS on Likert-scale questions while open-ended responses were coded using NVivo 12 into researcher-created categories. In addition, transcripts were analyzed. It is evident from this study that L2 learners have opportunities to utilize virtual exchange to develop L2 pragmatic awareness related to compliment responses.

Speech Acts and Cross-Cultural Pragmatics

2019 ◽  
pp. 223-238
Author(s):  
Clara Bauler
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Diverse Learners ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Dominant Language ◽  
Pragmatic Awareness ◽  
Linguistically Diverse Learners ◽  
Cultural Pragmatics

Linguistically diverse learners tend to first relate the pragmatic ability they already possess in their first or more dominant language (L1) to act in the L2; as a result, miscommunication and misunderstandings are frequent and common. Teachers can help learners develop awareness about L2 pragmatic norms by making visible how speech acts are performed in the L2 community of speakers while providing opportunities to engage in role-playing or real interactions involving the accomplishment of selected speech acts. This chapter offers an overview of the importance of context in cross-cultural interactions, a brief survey of the theories of speech acts, and concrete pedagogical ideas for teachers to develop linguistically diverse learners' pragmatic awareness and ability while celebrating and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.

Pragmatic awareness and second language learning motivation

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Unknown / not yet matched ◽  
Wei Ren
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Web Based ◽  
L2 Motivation ◽  
Model Combining ◽  
Language Learning Motivation ◽  
Pragmatic Awareness ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Learning English

Abstract Motivation has an effect on the rate and success of second language (L2) learning. However, little is known about its role in students’ levels of L2 pragmatic awareness. This study investigated whether and to what extent students’ L2 motivation influences their pragmatic awareness. A total of 498 Chinese university students completed a two-part web-based survey (an appropriateness judgement task and a motivation questionnaire), of whom 12 were subsequently interviewed. The quantitative results show that pragmatic awareness correlates positively with attitudes towards the L2 community and the intended learning efforts. Moreover, a model combining the intended learning efforts, attitudes towards the L2 community and attitudes towards learning English can significantly predict pragmatic awareness. The analysis of semi-structured interviews reveals a mismatch between students’ immediate needs when learning English and outcomes of pragmatic acquisition, which may contribute to the absent correlation between overall levels of L2 motivation and pragmatic awareness.

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