Publications

Publication details [#6142]

Hwang, Caroline C. 2008. Pragmatic conventions and intercultural competence.
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
English

Abstract

A number of years ago a Japanese student in the U.S. was killed because he was unable to understand the meaning of the exclamation "Freeze!" This tragedy is an extreme example that demonstrates the unfortunate consequences that can result when EFL speakers fail to grasp the full meaning behind real-world English expressions. Such misinterpretation commonly yields the gap between real-world English and textbook English. For these reasons, it is imperative that EFL classrooms expose learners to English as it is used in the real world and by real speakers, i.e. English pragmatics. Several types of pragmatic conventions that are commonly used in socio-cultural contexts (e.g. politeness, metaphors/idioms, euphemisms/hyperbole, lateral thinking, etc.) are discussed in an attempt to raise awareness of the linguistic intuition of native English-speakers. Most importantly, it is argued that authentic texts are needed in the EFL classroom to make students more aware of the realities of language use. (LLBA(c) CSA [2009]. All rights reserved)