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From the Virtual World to the Real World: A Model of Pragmatics Instruction for Study Abroad
Author(s) -
Shively Rachel L.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.2010.01063.x
Subject(s) - pragmatics , affordance , study abroad , intercultural competence , pedagogy , cultural competence , competence (human resources) , context (archaeology) , intercultural communication , psychology , linguistics , computer science , sociology , human–computer interaction , philosophy , social psychology , paleontology , biology
With its focus on the use of language forms in cultural context, the study of pragmatics can be a valuable component in a program that prepares students to learn both language and culture in study abroad. The goal of the present study is to propose a model for pragmatic instruction in study abroad that fosters both intercultural competence and language skills, is informed by research and practice, and takes advantage of the affordances that an immersion environment and new technologies offer. The article provides an overview of the pertinent research, discusses the pedagogical implications of an ethnographic research project on the acquisition of Spanish pragmatics in study abroad, and presents a model for pragmatic instruction in the study abroad context.