Term

2014

Capstone

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

MAESL

Abstract

A substantial amount of L2 pragmatic research focuses on speech act realization and conversational maxims yet few studies examine L2 pragmatics from the perspective of learners' attitudes or use information contributed from learners' lives. This study examines the attitudes of an adult class of intermediate and advanced level English language learners toward second language pragmatics. It addresses the primary question of whether journaling about second language culture affects learners' attitudes toward second language pragmatic forms. Key influences were my teaching experience initial research impetus comes from Roumiana Ilieva. The study employs a cultural exploration journaling activity, attitude surveys, in-class writing exercises, classroom discussions and post-treatment exit interviews to collect data pursuant to the research question. Results obtained from the surveys suggest minimal improvement in participants' attitudes. However, the results from the exit interview sessions tentatively conclude that journaling may be effective for exploring L2 culture and negotiating meanings of L2 pragmatic forms.

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