Developing and Researching L2 Speech Act Competence

Abstract

This chapter consists of two parts. The first part focuses on the ways to facilitate the development of L2 pragmatic competence , with particular reference to speech acts. According to the literature, there are at least three ways to facilitate the development of L2 speech acts. The first way is through formal instruction in the classroom. The second way is through natural exposure to the target language in the target community such as studying abroad or living in a homestay. The third way is through discussion with fellow learners . Nevertheless, the impact of the three ways may be minimized or enhanced by individual learners, subject to their decisions and choices which make the procedure of production complex. The second part of this chapter presents the methods and instrumentation to elicit and collect experimental and naturally-occurring L2 speech act data.