Teaching Pragmatics and Instructed Second Language Learning: Study Abroad and Technology-Enhanced Teaching

This book explores second language pragmatic development with a specific focus on two areas: classroom-based pragmatic instruction in the study abroad context, and using technology for developing and assessing pragmatic competence.
Teaching Pragmatics and Instructed Second Language Learning directly compares the effects of technology platforms and traditional paper-based tasks within the second language environment for developing pragmatic competence. These analyses are based on empirical research of how undergraduate Chinese learners of English receive explicit instruction in classrooms using different training materials. These findings are then compared to learners from Eastern European, Korean and Japanese backgrounds. The book’s empirical insights are contextualised using relevant theory: in particular, it looks at the role of ‘politeness theory’, by considering the speech acts of requests and apologies.
Including comprehensive discussion of oral computer-animated production tasks (CAPT) designed to enhance learner engagement and performance, this book explores the beneficial role of technology in teaching and learning. It offers practitioners and researchers practical ways to maximise second language pragmatic development with technology.