L2 Pragmatics Research in the Era of Globalization:
The Role of Intercultural Competence in
Pragmatic Development

This lecture is co-sponsored by FAHSS, the Japan Center at Stony Brook,
and the Pre-College Japanese Language Program
Date: Thursday, April 19th, 2018, 4:00-5:00 PM
Location: Wang Center, Room 201

Watch: L2 Pragmatics Research in the Era of Globalization

Lecture Abstract

Globalization has brought about a transformation in traditional practices of second language (L2) pragmatics research, most notably in the areas of pragmatics in English as a lingua franca, bilingual/multilingual pragmatics, and intercultural pragmatics (Taguchi & Roever, 2017). This presentation focuses on the area of intercultural competence and its influence in L2 pragmatics. With globalization, the goal of language learning has shifted from approximating native speaker norms to becoming an intercultural speaker who can mediate across linguistic and cultural boundaries (Byram, 1997, 2012). Successful intercultural speakers are considered to possess two competences—communicative competence and intercultural competence, which jointly assist their ability to navigate communication in intercultural encounters (Byram, 1997). In this presentation, I will first discuss definitions, theoretical models, and key characteristics of intercultural competence. Then, I will propose a relationship between intercultural competence and pragmatic competence by drawing on the common construct of adaptability. This relationship will be illustrated in my recent empirical studies. I will conclude my presentation with directions for future research.

About the Speaker: Naoko Taguchi

Naoko Taguchi is Professor in the Modern Languages Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where
she teaches graduate-level courses in second language acquisition and undergraduate-level courses in Japanese language and culture. Her research interests include pragmatics, intercultural competence, technology assisted learning, and English-medium education. She has authored/co-authored several books, including Second Language Pragmatics: From Theory to Research (in press, Routledge), Second Language Pragmatics (2017, Oxford University Press), and Developing Interactional Competence in a Japanese Study Abroad Context (2015, Multilingual Matters). She is currently editing the Routledge Handbook of SLA and Pragmatics. She is the co-editor of a new journal, Applied Pragmatics  (John Benjamins).