Bridging the pragmatic gap between native and non-native English instructors: A comparative analysis of apology patterns

Abstract

The communicative movement, which emerged in the early 1970s, has been pivotal in shifting the focus of language study towards the contextual use of language. Within this movement, the field of pragmatics has come to the forefront, illuminating the intricate relationship between language and context. Pragmatics presents a unique challenge in language acquisition. It encompasses two critical dimensions: pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic knowledge. Pragmalinguistic knowledge involves the ability to employ specific linguistic forms to convey intended meanings within a given context. In contrast, sociopragmatic knowledge delves deeper, demanding an understanding of the temporal and societal norms that govern when and where linguistic forms should be employed. The successful execution of speech acts serves as a vivid illustration of this duality, requiring proficiency in both pragmalinguistic forms and adherence to sociocultural norms within a language community. The present study seeks to address this gap (with the research aim) by investigating the pragmatic competence of non-native English teachers in comparison to their native counterparts. We specifically focus on their speech act productions, aiming to shed light on any discernible differences. Our research findings carry broader conclusions and some implications for language pedagogy as they contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between language acquisition, contextual factors, and pragmatic competence. This study investigates the pragmatic competence of non-native English teachers, comparing it to that of native English teachers, with a specific focus on their speech act productions. By shedding light on these differences, this research contributes to our understanding of the intricate interplay between language acquisition, context, and pragmatic competence. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of incorporating explicit pragmatics training in teacher development programs, equipping educators with the tools needed to foster comprehensive language proficiency.