Macquarie University
Browse
DOCUMENT
01front.pdf (318.32 kB)
DOCUMENT
02whole.pdf (2.36 MB)
1/0
2 files

Exploring the pragmatic competence of EFL learners in the production and judgement of formal written requests

thesis
posted on 2022-03-28, 02:03 authored by Kwai Peng Siu
This study sets out to examine the pragmatic competence of Cantonese adult learners of English possessing different levels of proficiency when performing the speech act of requesting for a formal purpose in writing. Pragmatic judgment - one of the two aspects of pragmatic competence - was examined by studying the most proficient group (i.e., native Cantonese-speaking EFL teachers at university), whereas pragmatic performance - the other aspect of pragmatic competence - was examined by studying the two weaker groups (i.e., university students at two language proficient levels). Both pragmatic judgment and pragmatic performance were examined by investigating the same four dependent variables (i.e., politeness, directness, formality and amount of information). Teacher data, collected through a Pragmatic Judgment Questionnaire completed and returned by sixteen EFL teachers (eight native Cantonese speakers and eight native English speakers) and by means of individual interviews, were analyzed quantitatively for responses to twelve questions and qualitatively for responses to an additional two questions. Student data, consisting of both experimental and authentic letters and e-mails, were analyzed quantitatively. -- Main research findings suggest: *It is possible for very proficient NNSs of English, (i.e., the EFL teachers in this study), to achieve native-like pragmatic judgments in most aspects, except for their views on several pragmatic considerations (i.e., "unnaturally polite" expressions, usefulness of "negative" words, supportive moves not to be used and writing plans preferred). *As the English proficiency of L2 learners improves from Grade E to Grade A/B (as determined by the Hong Kong A-level Examinations in the subject "Use of English"), their pragmatic performance shows improvement. -- For pedagogical reasons, a qualitative analysis was conducted for Questions 1 and 2 in order to generate examples of "unnaturally polite"/ "polite" / "impolite" expressions and to provide examples of inappropriate supportive moves in relation to three writing topics.

History

Table of Contents

Introduction -- Literature review -- Methodology -- Results -- Discussion -- Conclusion.

Notes

Bibliography: p. 404-418

Awarding Institution

Macquarie University

Degree Type

Thesis PhD

Degree

Thesis (DAppLing), Macquarie University, Division of Linguistics and Psychology, Department of Linguistics

Department, Centre or School

Department of Linguistics

Year of Award

2008

Principal Supervisor

Christopher N. Candlin

Additional Supervisor 1

Peter Roger

Rights

Copyright disclaimer: http://www.copyright.mq.edu.au Copyright Kwai Peng Siu 2008.

Language

English

Jurisdiction

Hong Kong (China)

Extent

xvii, 576 p

Former Identifiers

mq:5974 http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/42561 1342946