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Why Pragmatics Is Important When Learning A Language

The document discusses the importance of pragmatics in language learning, emphasizing its role in effective communication and understanding social contexts. It reflects on the author's journey learning English through various theories, including Behaviorist Theory, Input Hypothesis, and Sociocultural Theory, highlighting the significance of real-world practice and interaction. Additionally, it defines language, dialects, and bilingualism, noting their impact on communication, culture, and cognitive benefits.

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jhernanb.7
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5 views3 pages

Why Pragmatics Is Important When Learning A Language

The document discusses the importance of pragmatics in language learning, emphasizing its role in effective communication and understanding social contexts. It reflects on the author's journey learning English through various theories, including Behaviorist Theory, Input Hypothesis, and Sociocultural Theory, highlighting the significance of real-world practice and interaction. Additionally, it defines language, dialects, and bilingualism, noting their impact on communication, culture, and cognitive benefits.

Uploaded by

jhernanb.7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Activity 6.

1: Task: Podcast - My experience in


learning English – Sub product 3

Why Pragmatics is Important When Learning a Language?

Pragmatics is vital in language learning because it bridges the gap between


linguistic knowledge and real-world usage. Understanding the meaning of words
and phrases in isolation is not enough for effective communication; learners must
understand how context, social norms, and cultural factors shape meaning.
Pragmatics teaches us that language is not just a set of rules for constructing
sentences, but a tool for managing social interactions and conveying nuanced
meanings.

In summary, pragmatics is essential for a complete understanding of language. It is


through pragmatics that we learn to communicate effectively in varied social
contexts, manage conversations, and understand the underlying messages
conveyed through language. Learning pragmatics not only improves language
proficiency but also enhances cross-cultural communication, making it a
fundamental aspect of language acquisition.

My Journey Learning English: A Theoretical


Perspective
Learning English has been a fascinating journey, shaped by different approaches
to language acquisition. Reflecting on my experience, I can see how various
theories played a role in how I developed my skills.

At first, my learning resembled B.F. Skinner’s Behaviorist Theory. In school, we


practiced vocabulary and grammar through repetition, drills, and memorization. I
remember my teacher correcting our mistakes and reinforcing correct usage
through rewards like praise or good grades. This structured environment helped
me build a foundation, but it sometimes felt mechanical, and I struggled to use
English fluently in real-life conversations.
As I progressed, I experienced Stephen Krashen’s Input Hypothesis. I was
exposed to English through books, movies, and music—sometimes not
understanding every word but still getting the meaning. Krashen’s idea of
“comprehensible input” makes sense to me because the more I engaged with
natural language, the more I learned unconsciously. Watching TV shows without
subtitles and reading simple novels improved my understanding without explicit
grammar lessons.

Another turning point was when I studied abroad and had to communicate daily in
English. Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory became evident. Learning through
interaction with native speakers and more proficient peers helped me develop
fluency. Conversations, social situations, and real-world practice gave me
confidence, and I learned expressions that books never taught me. This
experience reinforced the importance of social context in language learning.

What is a Language?

Language is a system of communication that consists of sounds, words, and


grammar. It allows people to share ideas, express emotions, and build
relationships. But beyond communication, language shapes culture and identity.
English, for example, has become a global language, connecting people across
different nations.

What is a Dialect?

Now, let’s talk about dialects. A dialect is a variation of a language spoken by a


specific group of people, often defined by geographical regions or social factors.
For instance, British English and American English are dialects of the same
language, with differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar.

Understanding dialects is crucial because it reminds us that there is no single


"correct" way to speak a language rather, there are many valid forms of
expression. This is particularly important for language learners, as exposure to
different dialects helps with comprehension and adaptability
What is Bilingualism?

Finally, let’s talk about bilingualism. Bilingualism refers to the ability to speak and
understand two languages fluently. Many English learners are bilingual or even
multilingual, navigating multiple languages daily.

Research shows that bilingualism has numerous cognitive benefits, including


improved memory, problem-solving skills, and even delaying the onset of
dementia. But beyond the cognitive advantages, being bilingual opens doors to
cultural experiences and global opportunities.

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