scholarly journals Interlanguage Pragmatic Motivation in EFL Context

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Widya Caterine Perdhani
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
First Language ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
The University ◽  
Pragmatic Knowledge ◽  
Pragmatic Motivation ◽  
Pragmatic Production

This research sets out to explore the Interlanguage pragmatic motivation in EFL to their pragmatic production. This research is focus on the construct and impact of Interlanguage pragmatic motivation in EFL to their pragmatic production. The participants of the study were the university students chosen randomly from among intermediate EFL learners. There are three instruments in this study; there will be different types of analyses. Both general and speech-act-specific motivation questionnaires will be analysed by using factor analysis on a five-point Likert scale (1-5). Skewness and kurtosis will be calculated to investigate whether the questionnaires and the WDCT items fell within the normal range. Regression analysis will be done to measure how well general pragmatic motivation and Speech-act-specific motivation could predict pragmatic production. Several conclusions can be drawn from the resent study. First, language learners possess a specific type of motivation for the acquisition of interlanguage pragmatics, called pragmatic motivation, which refers to two interrelated types of motivation: general pragmatic motivation and speech-act-specific motivation. Second, EFL learners are strongly motivated to acquire and develop English pragmatic features, i.e. their pragmatic motivation is high; however, they do not have the necessary pragmatic knowledge. Third, predicting EFL learners’ pragmatic production based on their speech-act-specific motivation is somehow possible since both pragmatic production and speech-act-specific motivation focus on learners’ illocutionary competence, i.e. language functions and speech acts.

scholarly journals Inappropriateness in Iraqi EFL Learners’ E-mail Requests to Professor

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shurooq Abboodi Ali ◽  
Ambigapathy Pandian
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
First Language ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Request Strategies ◽  
Authentic Data ◽  
Pragmatic Knowledge ◽  
E Mail

<div><p><em>This study investigates the use of the speech act of request by </em><em>Iraqi EFL (English as a foreign language) learners </em><em>in student-professor e-mail communication. It aims to examine request strategies and internal modifications in academic requests in e-mail. There has been little investigation of the issue of an academic request made by Arab EFL learners to a higher status person via an authentic data. Thus, this study intends to provide more investigation of the strategies and internal modifiers that are produced by Iraqi EFL learners when they interact with their professors via e-mail. However, this study adapts the CCSARP (cross-cultural speech act realization project) originally suggested by [12] and modified by [8] in terms of strategies and internal modifications. Findings uncover that Iraqi EFL learners have a pragmatic problem when they issue their requests to a higher authority by e-mail. They mainly produce direct requests to higher status individuals. Such types of request require conventional indirectness to be appropriate pragmatically. These learners have limited pragmatic knowledge of conventional indirectness when they produce their requests to their professors. Moreover, Iraqi EFL learners are influenced by their L1 (first language) as they resort to direct sub-strategies that are customary forms in their Iraqi Arabic. This research unveils that Iraqi EFL learners have pragmalinguistic knowledge in syntactic downgraders and a pragmalinguistic deficiency in lexical devices due to the structurally oriented approach used to teach these learners. </em></p></div>

scholarly journals Pragmatic Transfer in the Speech Act of Compliment among Chinese EFL Learners

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 60-65
Author(s):  
Yue Lin
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Negative Transfer ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
First Language ◽  
Positive Transfer ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Pragmatic Transfer ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Research Questions

This article reviews the notions of transfer and its subcategories of positive transfer as well as negative transfer. This article also considers the research on pragmatic transfer in the speech act of compliment in first language as well as second and foreign language contexts. In addition, it further explores three research questions concerning pragmatic transfer in compliment among Chinese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners.

scholarly journals The effect of social class on Persian EFL learners’ pragmatic performance of Speech act of compliment responses

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 157
Author(s):  
Saman Ebadi ◽  
Farkhondeh Pursiah
Keyword(s):  
Social Class ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The Social ◽  
Compliment Responses

This study attempts to investigate how the participants’ social class affects types and frequency of EFL language learners’ compliment responses (CR).Data were collected from 60 Persian EFL Learners by using a DCT on various real life situations. The data were categorized and analyzed based onthe adapted version of CR categorization developed by Herbert (1989).The results indicated that both high and middle social class followed very similar patterns of CR.  The CR pattern doesnot seem to fluctuate according to the social class of the participants.The discrepancy in the strategies utilized by the participants in this study between the data achieved from the Persian and English questionnaires does not support L1 pragmalinguistic transfer in CR patterns for the middle social class participants.The findings of the research contribute to social, psychological and linguistic aspects of language learning in terms of examining the effect ofinteracting factors on the process of language learning in general and pragmatics in particular. Keywords: social class, compliment, compliment response, speech acts.

scholarly journals Pragmatic dimensions of Prospect Series: A textbook evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 76-86
Author(s):  
Ali Asghar Ghasemi ◽  
Parastou Gholami Pasand
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Textbook Evaluation ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
Data Analyses ◽  
Limit Language ◽  
Do So

The development of pragmatic and sociolinguistic competence is very important for language users as failure to have adequate competence can cause miscommunications. Textbooks can play a significant role in equipping learners with pragmatic competence in EFL contexts where enough exposure to the target language is not possible. This paper investigates the pragmatic dimensions of Prospect Series, Iranian high school textbooks, and the extent to which these books can be reliable sources for developing language learners’ pragmatic competence. To do so, Cohen’s (1996) and van Ek and Trim’s (1998) taxonomies of speech acts and functions were employed to manifest whether the books are pragmatically suitable. The data analyses revealed that all types of speech acts were present, although unequally, throughout the series, except Declaratives which has been ignored in the conversations of Prospect1, 2, and 3. Lack of Declaratives as being reportedly a frequently-used speech act in everyday conversations is a big disadvantage. Additionally, all kinds of language functions were present in the textbooks but rather erratically and unevenly. The findings seem to imply that lack of Declaratives, and unequal distributions of language functions and speech acts may limit language learners’ pragmatic competence, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. To compensate the drawbacks, several implications were provided.

scholarly journals Pragmatic Competence: Difficulties faced by Pakistani EFL Learners

sjesr ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 444-451
Author(s):  
Dr. Sikander Ali ◽  
Muhammad Ashraf
Keyword(s):  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Competence Level ◽  
Pragmatic Failure ◽  
Pragmatic Knowledge

The study investigates the pragmatic knowledge; pragmatic competence level as well as speech act strategies used by Pakistani EFL learners. It reveals that Master level English language learners are unable to produce and comprehend the intended meanings in the target language. As a result, pragmatic failure and misunderstanding occurred. Pragmatic comprehension and production is essential for effective communication especially for EFL learners in this modern age where people have to communicate cross-culturally as English is being used as lingua franca internationally. The study explores the problems faced by EFL learners in comprehending and producing the correct speech acts in English. The study used two data collection tools: a WDCT in which speech acts of refusal and apology are used to find out pragmatic competence level and difficulties faced by Pakistani EFL learners. A Likert Scale questionnaire is used to know about the views and suggestions of the Pakistani EFL learners about the teaching and learning environment regarding the pragmatics. The data of speech acts of refusal is analyzed qualitatively according to the taxonomy of Beebe, keeping in view frequency, shift and content of semantic formulas. While the data of speech acts of apology is analyzed according to the speech act strategies of Cohen. Data collected through the Likert scale questionnaire is analyzed quantitatively. The study finds out that pragmatic competence level of Pakistani EFL learners is very low as well as they have to face many difficulties which result in pragmatic failure.  Findings of the study show that Pakistani EFL learners lack knowledge of pragmatics in the target language. EFL learners acknowledged that pragmatic knowledge is very important for effective communication and it should be an integral part of syllabus and classroom activities.

scholarly journals Mandarin Language Students Illocutionary Acts in Japanese Language Learning at the University of Sumatera Utara

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Taulia Taulia ◽  
Laraiba Nasution
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Mandarin Language ◽  
Written Form ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
Directive Speech Acts ◽  
The University ◽  
Department Faculty

Speech acts play an essential role in language learning as an aspect that can improve a learner's ability to speak orally. In this research, illocutionary speech-acts  were described in the Japanese language learning process for students of the Mandarin Language Department, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of Sumatera Utara. This research is qualitative. The data are speech acts in the lecture process in class, especially in the discussion. The data sources were 40 fourth-semester students of the Mandarin Language Department. The theory used was the Searle speech act theory. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, recording , and note-taking techniques. Data analysis techniques were carried out applying Miles & Huberman's opinion by condensing data through transcription of recorded data into written form, identifying forms, speech act functions, data presentation, and concluding. As a result, there were forms of illocutionary speech acts, namely directive, expressive, and declarative. Furthermore, the purpose used in class was in directive speech acts which were to order, ask, invite (engage). In other words, in expressive speech-act was praising, and in declarative speech-act was prohibiting. In conclusion, Japanese speech acts in Japanese class occured between lecturers and students and only consisted of several types of speech acts due to students' limited mastery of Japanese.

scholarly journals Cross-Sectional Study of Refusal Speech Act Used by Iraqi Undergraduate Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-173
Author(s):  
Hutheifa Y. Turki ◽  
Juma’a Q. Hussein ◽  
Ahmed A. Al-Kubaisy
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Arabic And English ◽  
Refusal Strategies

This paper is conducted to investigate how Iraqi EFL learners refuse different speech acts across different proficiency levels. It aims to examine the most appropriate strategies used by 2nd year students of English as compared to those of 4th year when refusing their interlocutors' invitation, suggestion, and offer. WDCT questionnaire was used to collect data from 40 Iraqi undergraduate students of English: 20 2nd year and 20 4th year. Adopting Beebe et al.'s (1990) theory of refusal, data collected was analyzed quantitatively using statistical analysis. The findings revealed that the 2nd year students of English were more frequent in using direct refusals than their 4th year counterparts. This means the latter were more aware of using refusals politely than the former. On the other hand, the findings showed that 4th year students more frequent in their use of indirect refusal strategies that the 2nd year students. This indicates that the EFL learners of low proficiency level might not bridge the gap between the pragmalinguistic strategies and the grammatical form of the target language. This means that they were not pragmatically competent of the use of the appropriate pragmalinguistic strategies. This implies that the 2nd year students need to pay more attention to pragmatics and use their refusal strategies appropriately. Thus, the paper recommends conducting further research on the use of refusal speech act in Arabic and English.

scholarly journals A Descriptive Analysis of Disagreement Strategies: The Case of Iranian EFL Learners

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Atieh Farashaiyan ◽  
Paramasivam Muthusamy
Keyword(s):  
Social Power ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Written Discourse ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Situational Variables ◽  
Completion Task ◽  
Contextual Understanding ◽  
Pragmatic Knowledge

<p>The purpose of this research was to describe the L2 pragmatic knowledge of Iranian EFL learners by producing the speech act of disagreement in English in different situations. One hundred and twenty Iranian EFL learners took part in this study. The required data were accumulated through a Written Discourse Completion Task (WDCT). The results showed that most participants tended to make use of more indirect strategies (44.85%) to disagree with another speaker’s statement either with higher or lower power or within different social distance.  The respondents’ most frequent strategy use refers to counterclaims with 44.8%. On the other hand, challenges with 8.8% and Irrelevancy of claims with 3.2% were respectively among the least frequent strategies used in all situations. The results showed that learners almost utilized the same strategies in different disagreement situations with the same frequency. Therefore, it indicates that they did not notice the situational variables of social power, distance and imposition to vary their choice of strategy. In other words, they did not have the contextual understanding of the mentioned factors. Therefore, the results can suggest that the learners lack sufficient pragmatic knowledge in performing the studied speech act. The implication of this study is for Iranian language instructors, materials writers and curriculum developers.  </p>

scholarly journals Communication Strategies by Indonesian EFL Learners in English Conversation Class

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Agus Wijayanto ◽  
Diyah Murti Hastuti
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Elementary Level ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Conversation Class

To be able to conduct smooth communication has been the focus of teaching and learning L2. Since the late 1970s, developing language learners’ communicative competence has become the center of L2 teaching. This paper is part of a study investigating how elementary-level English learners at an English course in Surakarta-Indonesia conduct English conversations. It particularly observes how they use communication strategies. The data was obtained through recording the conversations between instructors and the learners in teaching and learning activities. This study revealed that the learners frequently used stalling or time gaining when communicating their ideas or opinions. Assertive was the dominant speech act used by the learners, whereas expressive was the least. This could be because during the learning process, the learners were the ones who answered questions and expressed ideas in response to the instructors’ questions.

scholarly journals Transformando sofrimento em narrativa e narrativa em uma nova vida / Transforming Suffering into Storytelling and Storytelling into a New Life

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Piccardi
Keyword(s):  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Sex Reassignment Surgery ◽  
Sex Reassignment ◽  
Science Study ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The One ◽  
The University

ABSTRACTThrough the analysis of narratives on sorrow and pain, this paper attempts to verify the extent to which speakers seem to find relief and internal resources to rebuild their lives within their own processes of narration. The proposed reflections derive from two correlated experiences: (i) observing speeches of parents belonging to a group that supports grieving parents. These speeches led to a favorable mourning development; and (ii) the fact that the researcher had the opportunity to act as a ghostwriter of an unusual story: the one involving a transsexual who decided to undergo sex reassignment surgery and write about the experience to transform her pain into narrative. In both cases, the narratives seem to have been critical to transform their lives. In both cases, the empathy of the interlocutor(s) was fundamental to promote what I freely call “curative effects”. The starting point is the perception that each speech act can be understood in its wealth only within the broader context of its production. This includes checking – for the case of the fragments presented – the appearance of discourses about illness, death, loss, sexuality, which permeate our culture and get materialized into the speeches of the interlocutors. It is understood that curative effects as well as identity empowerment cannot be explained solely through the narrativization of personal stories about sorrow and pain, but it is equally understood that one needs a widely-held comprehension about the language movement that is enabled in those specific situations as to evaluate how language can be optimized in similar processes where transforming pain into narrative can be a matter of survival. My conclusion makes a few considerations on how these narratives can be deemed speech acts with curative effects that can promote life and reconstruct identities and how they act independently within the enunciative process. Austin’s (1975) speech act theory is the main theoretical prospect adopted, in a combination with recent debates about identity and reflections over the relations involving language, literature, narrative, and health promoted by GENAM, the Narrative and Medical Science Study Group of the University of São Paulo, Brazil.RESUMOEste trabalho busca verificar, por meio da análise de narrativas sobre dor e sofrimento, em que medida os respectivos enunciadores parecem encontrar alívio e recursos internos para refazer suas vidas por meio do próprio processo de narrar. As reflexões propostas são desdobramento de duas experiências correlatas: (i) a observação das falas das mães/pais pertencentes a um grupo de apoio a pais enlutados; falas tais que promoveram um desenvolvimento favorável do luto; e (ii) o fato de esta pesquisadora ter tido a oportunidade de ser a ghostwriter de uma história incomum: a de um transexual que decidiu realizar a cirurgia para mudança de sexo e resolveu escrever sobre sua experiência de modo a transformar sua dor em narrativa. Nos dois casos as narrativas parecem ter sido decisivas para transformar vidas. Nos dois casos, a empatia do(s) interlocutor(es) foi fundamental para que se promovessem o que chamo livremente de efeitos curativos. Parte-se da compreensão de que cada ato de fala pode ser entendido em sua riqueza apenas se inserido no contexto mais amplo de sua produção, o que compreende verificar, no caso dos fragmentos apresentados, a emergência de discursos sobre doença, morte, perda, sexualidade, que atravessam nossa cultura e se materializam nas falas dos interlocutores. Entende-se que os efeitos curativos e o empoderamento identitário não podem ser explicados unicamente através da narrativização das histórias pessoais de dor e sofrimento, mas igualmente entende-se que é preciso compreender melhor o movimento de linguagem que é acionado nessas situações específicas, para que se avalie como se pode otimizar a linguagem em processos semelhantes, em que transformar uma dor em narrativa pode ser condição de sobrevivência. Concluo com algumas considerações a respeito do quanto tais narrativas podem ser consideradas atos de fala com efeitos curativos capazes de promover vida e reconstruir identidades e o quanto atuam independentemente no processo de enunciação. A principal perspectiva teórica adotada é a teoria dos atos de fala de Austin (1975), combinada com debates recentes sobre identidade, e reflexões sobre as relações entre linguagem, literatura, narrativa e saúde promovidas pelo GENAM.

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