ABSTRACT
Unit 8 looks at second language pragmatics, the development of the ability to produce and comprehend utterances in L2 contexts. It presents range of theories encompassing key cognitive theories - including the noticing hypothesis and skill acquisition - and social theories of learning - including sociocultural theory, accommodation theory, and language socialisation theory. The unit then turns to empirical research on L2 pragmatic development. It looks at typical patterns in development of L2 pragmatic competence and covers research on areas such as speech acts, formulaic language, and interactional competence. The final section focuses on the teaching of pragmatics and intercultural competence. It discusses whether the pragmatics of another language and culture should be taught and deals with concerns about stereotyping and the maintenance of unequal power relationships between different cultures. In terms of classroom instruction on pragmatics, the benefits of explicit and implicit instruction are compared. The unit ends with practical suggestions on teaching L2 pragmatics. It illustrates the theories by providing authentic examples from a variety of languages and types of media. Section B8 provides an example analysis, section C8 gives you the chance to analyse authentic texts, and section D8 introduces readings by Neil Murray and by Marta Gonzlez-Lloret.
