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Part of
Methods in Study Abroad Research: Past, present, and future
Edited by Carmen Pérez-Vidal and Cristina Sanz
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 4] 2023
► pp. 265–289

Chapter 11
Investigating pragmatic development in study abroad contexts

| Universitat Jaume I
| Universitat Jaume I

A study abroad (SA) period is considered an optimum environment for developing pragmatic competence because of the unparalleled target-language access it provides. Within this context, pragmatic development has received extensive attention over the last two decades, during which we have seen an evolution in research orientations. Existing studies employ quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, building on each other to paint a picture of SA pragmatic development as an inherently dynamic process contingent on interdependence between a range of cognitive, affective, behavioural, and contextual factors. This chapter will reflect on existing research in this area, focusing on the approach, contributions, and limitations of a range of studies, as well as highlighting research desiderata and recommending research directions for future studies.

Keywords: pragmatic competence, pragmatic development, pragmatic awareness, pragmalinguistic, sociopragmatic, speech act, speech style, interaction, affordances, mixed methods
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Investigating pragmatic development in study abroad settings
    • Research approaches in SA pragmatics
    • Contributions to understanding SA pragmatic development
  • Limitations in existing SA pragmatics research
  • Principles and strategies for future SA pragmatics research
  • Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 3 February 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.4.11nig
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