The Importance of Pragmatics as a language learner

Learning grammar, syntax, semantics, and vocabulary is fundamental, but learning Pragmatics as a Language learner is also very important. We want to understand and be understood when communicating with a native person or targeting a language. Therefore, a language learner should take in consideration learning the culture of the target language to avoid misinterpretations and have a smooth conversation either verbal or written. In addition to that, it is valid to say that sometimes we can’t take things literally; one word or phrase could mean many things depending on the context. That’s why Pragmatics is an essential part of the language which aims to choose language appropriately based on the situation. 

 

Based on this importance, practicing the following techniques may help you improve of pragmatic competences:


  • Understanding your own culture first to be able to speak with people of different cultures. 
  • Learn the culture of the target language.
  • Practice activities such as role-play or simulations, with real life examples in other to increase your cultural awareness and get familiar in the target language situations or context. 
  • Use authentic materials from the target language or English-speaking countries as in this case.
  • Practice the varieties of the pragmatics and sociolinguistic contexts.
  • Practicing meaningful examples, such as making a request or approaches to increased awareness of target language culture.
  • Avoid cultural stereotype. 

 

Following are 3 examples to demonstrate the importance of Pragmatics in language:

 

1.     Valeria is from Venezuela and Peter is from Trinidad & Tobago. They met some time ago in a party and had fun together. A few weeks later, Valeria saw Peter in the mall and excitedly called him shouting “Negro”!. Peter got embarrassed and upset, so he ignored her and walked away quickly. 

 

Valeria did not know that calling someone “Negroe” in Trinidad & Tobago is really offensive and disrespectful as it is a sign of racism. Unless he/she is a close friend of you, don’t even try to make it a joke!. In comparison to Venezuelans who sympathetically call their friends "Negro (a), negrito (a)", gordo (a), gordito (a)", etc.



1,266 Confused Black Man Stock Videos and Royalty-Free Footage - iStock 

 

2.     Anna who had light skin complexion was doing groceries and suddenly stopped to choose a juice. The cashier who was close by noticed that something fell from Anna’s pocket and tried to call her several times saying “Red”, but she never turned back and left since she didn’t know that in Trinidad & Tobago they call “Red” to anyone with light skin complexion. 



67 Supermarket Gondola Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

 

3.     Maria was Spanish and she was studying English in Trinidad & Tobago. The teacher asked her to do a presentation in front of the class, so she did. When she came out of class one of her school mates called “Marlon” congratulate her by saying “Hey Maria, I saw you! Your presentation was real bad!”. Maria felt sad, started crying and run away. 

 

Marlon meant to say that her presentation was amazing, but Maria didn’t know that the expression “real bad” means “super good” in Trinidad. 



How To Start A Class Speech? [The Best Guide] | Space4speaking.com 

 

 

 

By: Shalom Garzón Navarro

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