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The interaction between duration of study abroad, diversity of loci of learning and sociopragmatic variation patterns: a comparative study
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Date
2018-08-24
Authors
Devlin, Anne Marie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Published Version
Abstract
Whilst the field of Interlanguage Pragmatics has produced a rich and diverse literature in recent years, one area that requires more attention is the acquisition of sociopragmatic variation or the ability to vary language output in a way that is congruent with the situation. With the aim of filling that gap, the current study explores the interplay between duration of SA and sociopragmatic variation patterns in three groups of highly-advanced non-native speakers of English. It does so through the paradigm of Loci of Learning – that is the study of the intensity and diversity of micro-learning contexts that learners may encounter. In order to examine the correlation, a two-fold study was conducted. Firstly a language contact profile (LCP) questionnaire was completed, which provided detailed data regarding the duration of SA experiences and the diversity of loci of learning to which the participants had access. Three groups were then formed and participants were put into dyads to enact the speech act of asking for advice in two socially-differentiated situations. The performance data were subsequently analysed, using a discursive practice framework, to show how differential duration of SA and the consequent differential interaction with loci of learning shape learners’ patterns of sociopragmatic variation vis-à-vis the strategies of conventionalization and directness as well as the substrategies of solidary and non-solidary moves. Results indicate that those who have spent more than one year in SA have access to a wider range of loci of learning and as a result index sociopragmatic variation via a wider and more complex range of (sub) strategies.
Description
Keywords
Study abroad , Loci of learning , Sociopragmatic variation , Advanced learners
Citation
Devlin, A. M. (2018) 'The interaction between duration of study abroad, diversity of loci of learning and sociopragmatic variation patterns: A comparative study', Journal of Pragmatics, In Press, doi: 10.1016/j.pragma.2018.08.007