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Part of
Language Learning, Discourse and Cognition: Studies in the tradition of Andrea Tyler
Edited by Lucy Pickering and Vyvyan Evans
[Human Cognitive Processing 64] 2018
► pp. 193–211

Chapter 8
Formulaicity and context in second language pragmatics

Pragmatic routines are realized by a range of expressions at different points on the formulaicity scale, meaning that some expressions are more set than others. This chapter draws on acquisition research to highlight the types of pragmatic knowledge that underpin successful use and emerging use of formulaic language in pragmatics, exploring the alignment of speech act, pragmatic strategy, content, meaning, and form in the acquisition and use of conventional expressions and routines, and the role of context. Examples are drawn primarily from two studies on pragmatics, a large cross-sectional study (N = 179; 5,504 responses to a conversation simulation, Bardovi-Harlig 2009), and an instructional effects study (responses to simulated group work, Bardovi-Harlig, Mossman, and Vellenga, 2015a).
Keywords: conventional expressions, formulaic language, pragmatic routines, speech acts
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Formulaic language
    • 2.1Definitions
    • 2.2Another distinction
  • 3.Documenting formulaic status: Frequency and conventionality
  • 4.Components of knowing an expression
    • 4.1Knowing an expression
    • 4.2Aligning speech acts
    • 4.3Aligning pragmatic strategies
    • 4.4Aligning content
    • 4.5Aligning meaning
    • 4.6Meaning again, from a different perspective
    • 4.7Aligning form
  • 5.The role of context(s) in the acquisition of L2 pragmatic routines and conventional expressions
  • 6.Instruction
  • 7.Reflection
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 20 December 2018
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/hcp.64.09bar
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