Abstract

The Relationship-between the Extent of Iraqi EFL Learners’ Pragmatic-Knowledge of Apology and Request-Speech Acts and Their Ability to Comprehend and Produce Them: Is Language Proficiency-Level-Important?

Zahra Mubarak

Volume: 13 Issue: 3 2023

Abstract:

This study examined the pragmatic understanding of request and apology speech acts among Iraqi EFL students, and how pragmatic instruction can improve their performance. The article also explored the relationship between language proficiency and the ability to comprehend and produce these speech acts, and gathered perceptions of the instruction from learners and the teacher. The study used the Oxford Quick Placement Test and the Multiple-choice Discourse Completion Test, as well as conducting semi-structured interviews. The results showed that the experimental group had a significant improvement in pragmatic knowledge compared to the control group, and that language proficiency did not affect performance in the experimental group. Both learners and the teacher had positive attitudes towards the instruction. The study provides pedagogical implications and suggestions for future research.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.37648/ijrssh.v13i03.025

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