Email Pragmatics and Second Language Learners

Editors

Maria Economidou-Kogetsidis | University of Nicosia

Milica Savić | University of Stavanger

Nicola Halenko | University of Central Lancashire

Hardbound – Available

ISBN 9789027210012 | EUR 95.00 | USD 143.00

e-Book –

ISBN 9789027258465 | EUR 95.00 | USD 143.00

This is the first edited collection focusing exclusively on how second language users interpret and engage with the processes of email writing. With chapters written by an international array of scholars, the present volume is dedicated to furthering the study of the growing field of L2 email pragmatics and addresses a range of interesting topics that have so far received comparatively scant attention. Utilising both elicited and naturally-occurring data, the research in this volume takes the reader from a consideration of learners’ pragmatic development as reflected in email writing, and their perceptions of the email medium, to relational practices in various email functions and in a variety of academic contexts. As a whole, the contributions incorporate research with learners from a range of proficiency levels, language and cultural backgrounds, and employ varied research designs in order to examine different email speech acts. The book provides valuable new insights into the dynamic and complex interplay between cultural, interlanguage, pedagogical, and medium-specific factors shaping L2 email discourse, and it is undoubtedly an important reference and resource for researchers, graduate students and experienced language teachers.

[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series, 328] 2021. vii, 258 pp.

Publishing status: Available

https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.328

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements | pp. vii–viii

Second language email pragmatics: Introduction

Nicola Halenko, Milica Savić and Maria Economidou-Kogetsidis | pp. 1–12

Part I. Email literacy and pragmatic development

Chapter 1. Reformulation on Chinese EFL learners’ email literacy: A preliminary exploration

Yuan-shan Chen and Chin-Ting Liu | pp. 15–40

Chapter 2. L2 emails of complaints: Strategy use by low and high proficiency learners of English as a foreign language

Thi Thuy Minh Nguyen and Thi Thanh Thuy Pham | pp. 41–70

Chapter 3. Long-term instructional effects on learners’ use of email request modifiers

Esther Usó-Juan | pp. 71–100

Chapter 4. Experts and novices: Examining academic email requests to faculty and developmental change during study abroad

Nicola Halenko and Lisa Winder | pp. 101–126

Part II. Relational practices in email communication

Chapter 5. Phatic communion in Chinese students’ gratitude emails in English: Production and perception

Wei Ren and Wenjie Liu | pp. 129–150

Chapter 6. The effect of first language pragmatics on second language email performance: The case of Greek students’ email requests

Maria Economidou-Kogetsidis | pp. 151–178

Chapter 7. Email communication in English and in German: A contrastive pragmatic investigation of German university students’ emails sent to university staff in their native and foreign language

Gila A. Schauer | pp. 179–202

Chapter 8. In search of the missing grade: Egalitarianism and deference in L1 and L2 students’ emails to faculty members

Spyridoula Bella | pp. 203–226

Chapter 9. “You are the best!”: Relational practices in emails in English at a Norwegian university

Milica Savić and Miodrag Đorđević | pp. 227–254

Index | pp. 255–258

“As email communication has become a critical part of our everyday professional and personal lives, Economidou-Kogetsidis, Savić and Halenko’s book on email performance is a timely addition to the field. Compiling studies from diverse countries and cultures (e.g., China, Greece, Germany, Norway, UK), the book presents valuable insights about culture and language-specific conventions of email communication, as well as challenges that L2 speakers might face when learning those conventions in their target language. This is a must read for anyone interested in pragmatics in digitally-mediated communication.”

Naoko Taguchi, Northern Arizona University

“This is an innovative volume of impressive scope that addresses an increasingly important topic in L2 pragmatics – the enactment of communicative and relational practices through the medium of email. Taking a view of email as a culturally and contextually shaped phenomenon, this volume’s attention to issues of production, perception, and development makes it an indispensable resource for researchers and teachers interested in email pragmatics.”

Troy McConachy, University of Warwick

“The main strengths of the book lie in its clear, engaging style and well-edited structure that make complicated concepts accessible through the use of comparison and the abundance of examples. The volume is also reader-friendly in that it approaches its subject matter from a straightforward and common-sense point of view. The solid methodology and in-depth analyses the studies in the volume adopt will certainly generate an extensive readership among graduate students, researchers, and frontline teachers in disciplines that focus on pragmatics, college writing and ESL or EFL teaching in general.”

Jingyan Zhang, NingboTech University, in Journal of Pragmatics, 192 (2022).

“This book presents the panorama of this small but burgeoning area of L2 email pragmatics, offers invaluable insight to this field, and signals directions for future related study. It is undoubtedly an indispensable resource for teachers, researchers and students interested in email pragmatics and L2 language development.”

Yushun Yang & Wulin Ma, Sichuan International Studies University, in Pragmatics and Society 14:5 (2023).

“This volume offers a compelling collection of diverse and insightful contributions that shed light on the utilization of computer-mediated communication by second language learners in a foreign language. Drawing upon empirical research in pragmatics and second language acquisition, the volume convincingly demonstrates the pivotal role of pragmatics in email interactions among individuals from different native languages. Moreover, it underscores the significance of considering various contextual and cultural factors when L2 users produce and process emails. The conclusions derived from both elicited and natural data are largely robust, avoiding unfounded claims or biased selection. The editors deserve high praise for their outstanding compilation that delves into the dynamic and nuanced interplay between email production and perception, as well as the construction and portrayal of identity by second language learners. Researchers, seasoned language teachers and graduate students with a keen interest in the captivating intersection of email pragmatics and second language acquisition will undoubtedly consider this volume an invaluable asset.”

Xinru Ding, Zhejiang International Studies University, in Internet Pragmatics 6:2 (2023).

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