Key words: pragmatic competence, pragmatic development in higher education
Introduction
Effective communication is crucial for success in academic and professional settings. Pragmatic competence, which refers to the ability to use language appropriately in social contexts, is essential for effective communication. In higher education, students need to communicate effectively with their instructors, peers, and potential employers. This article review examines the importance of teaching pragmatic competence in higher education, with a focus on the analysis of emails to instructors.
Pragmatic competence refers to the ability to use language effectively in social interactions, taking into account the context, the speaker’s intentions, and the listener’s expectations. It is a crucial aspect of communication that is often overlooked in traditional language teaching. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of teaching pragmatic competence in higher education, as it is essential for success in academic, professional, and social contexts.
Email communication is an essential aspect of higher education, with students often sending emails to instructors to ask for clarification on assignments, to schedule appointments, or to request feedback. However, many students struggle with writing effective emails, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. Research has shown that teaching pragmatic competence can help students write more effective emails. A study by Lee and Lim (2017) analyzed emails sent by Korean students to their instructors and found that students who had received training in pragmatic competence were more successful in communicating their needs and concerns in their emails.The study also found that students who had not received such training tended to write emails that were too direct, informal, or impolite, which could be perceived as disrespectful or unprofessional by instructors. These findings highlight the importance of teaching pragmatic competence in higher education to help students communicate more effectively in academic and professional settings.
Main part
Email communication is a common form of communication between students and instructors in higher education. However, many students struggle with writing effective emails, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. Research has shown that teaching pragmatic competence can help students write more effective emails.According to Alcón-Soler and Safont-Jordà (2012), «pragmatic competence is essential for effective communication, as it enables individuals to express their intended meanings appropriately, understand the intentions of others, and negotiate meaning in complex social interactions» (p. 77). In the academic context, pragmatic competence is particularly important for students who are required to participate in group discussions, debates, and presentations, as well as to interact with professors and peers in a variety of settings.