Second Language (L2) Pragmatics and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor in Bilingual and English as a Second Language Education, Educational Psychology, A&M University, Texas, the USA.

2 Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, Texas, United States of America

Abstract

In today’s era of globalization with technological advancements, where communication transcends spatial and temporal boundaries, pragmatic competence plays a key role. Using language in socially, culturally, and contextually appropriate ways is essential as pragmatic failures can lead to miscommunications, cultural stereotyping, and unintended consequences in high-stakes situations. Consequently, research on the nature of pragmatic competence and its development and educational endeavors in teaching pragmatics in formal and informal instructional settings plays an important role in second language learning and teaching. The interactional limitations in traditional face-to-face classrooms have brought researchers and educators to recognize that technology can provide environments exposing language learners to a wider variety of contexts to test and develop their L2 pragmatic competence. Technology-informed approaches to L2 pragmatic development have prompted great interest from researchers and practitioners alike. The research on L2 pragmatic instruction and development using CALL demonstrates that technological innovation can facilitate research and teaching by providing more control in data collection and offering access to multiple forms of input and interaction while overcoming many barriers to L2 pragmatic instruction in traditional settings. In this review paper, we explore the intersectionality between L2 pragmatic development, instruction, and research (interlanguage pragmatics) and various technologies, innovations, and resources that have emerged and have the potential to facilitate learners' pragmatic development. We provide suggestions for future research where technology could aid the development of pragmatic competence.

Keywords

References

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Technology Assisted Language Education
Volume 1, Issue 3
September 2023
Pages 1-17

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