Pragmatic is an approach to language that emphasizes the use of natural and culturally appropriate communication. Pragmatic language skills allow individuals to convey information clearly and accurately, build relationships with others, and engage in collaborative work. Moreover, pragmatic language skills can help students better understand the content of classroom discussions and enhance their academic performance in school and beyond.
Being pragmatic means evaluating the pros and cons of different actions and decisions before making them. This process can reduce the likelihood of making emotionally charged decisions that might negatively impact future outcomes. Being practical can also positively affect one’s relationship with friends and family members by promoting openness and honesty. Furthermore, pragmatists tend to recognize potential problems in the future and take action to prevent them from occurring.
For language learners, pragmatism is an important research paradigm to learn about because it is based on using the most effective methods possible to address specific real-world problems. This approach to research allows for the integration of both qualitative and quantitative data into a single study. Additionally, pragmatism promotes collaboration with key stakeholders to develop interventions and evaluate their effectiveness. These principles align with the underlying values of pragmatic orientation to research (POR).
When it comes to communicating, being pragmatic means focusing on how a message is received and ensuring that the underlying meaning is understood. This involves considering a variety of factors, including the context and culture in which the message was uttered, the speaker’s intentions, and other nonverbal cues. In addition to considering the linguistic aspects of communication, pragmatics also includes non-linguistic aspects such as body language and facial expressions.
For English language teachers, teaching pragmatics is an important aspect of effective classroom instruction. This is because pragmatic language skills are essential to facilitating effective communication in both the home and target languages. Moreover, pragmatic language skills are necessary for students to engage in class discussions and collaborate with their peers. Furthermore, pragmatic language skills are critical to academic success because they enable individuals to communicate their ideas clearly and accurately, follow instructions, and effectively participate in group assignments.
As such, pragmatics is an ideal area to include in EFL lessons. Teachers can integrate pragmatics into their existing course material, such as textbooks or lesson plans. Alternatively, teachers can teach pragmatics separately as an extracurricular activity.
Regardless of how pragmatics is taught, it is important to remember that learning about pragmatics should be a continuous journey for all English language learners. The more practice and exposure a student has, the more they will become proficient in pragmatic language. In addition, it is important to provide opportunities for students to reflect on how they have progressed in their understanding of pragmatics and how they can improve upon their current level of proficiency. This will help them develop the most productive and sustainable learning routines that will lead to long-term proficiency in pragmatic language.
