Pragmatics in English Language Learning

Written by an international team of experts, this groundbreaking book explores the benefits and challenges of developing pragmatic competence in English as a target language, inside and outside the classroom, and among young and adult learners. The chapters present a range of first language contexts, including China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico and Norway, to provide international perspectives on how different first languages present varying challenges for developing pragmatic awareness. The book outlines cutting-edge techniques for investigating spoken and written pragmatic competence, and offers practical teaching solutions, both face-to-face and online. It 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. Innovative and comprehensive, this volume is a unique contribution to the field of L2 pragmatics, and will be essential reading for researchers, course developers, language teachers and students.

Nicola Halenko has been an EFL teacher (Europe and Asia), teacher-trainer and researcher for over 25 years. Her main areas of interest are second language pragmatics, intercultural communication and teacher pedagogy. Recent publications include Teaching Pragmatics and Instructed Second Language Acquisition (Bloomsbury, 2021) and Successful Spoken English (co-authored, Routledge, 2018).

Jiayi Wang is an Associate Professor at De Montfort University, UK. Her research interests include pragmatics and intercultural communication. Recent publications include Second Language Pragmatics (with N. Halenko, 2019) for EAP and Culture, context, and concerns about face: Synergistic insights from Pragmatics and Social Psychology (with H. Spencer-Oatey, 2020).