Pragmatic transfer

Definition

Pragmatic transfer refers to the influence of a person's first language and culture on their use and understanding of a second language, particularly in the realm of pragmatic aspects like politeness, speech acts, and contextual cues. This concept highlights how learners may carry over their native communicative norms into new linguistic environments, potentially leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations in intercultural communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pragmatic transfer can lead to both positive outcomes, such as successful communication when cultural norms align, and negative outcomes, such as misunderstandings when they clash.
2. Learners often exhibit pragmatic transfer in areas like requests, apologies, and greetings, where cultural expectations significantly influence language use.
3. Research shows that pragmatic transfer is common among second language learners, indicating that language acquisition goes beyond vocabulary and grammar to include social norms.
4. Cultural background plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals interpret messages, which can result in unintended offense or confusion if pragmatic norms differ.
5. Teaching strategies that raise awareness of potential pragmatic transfer can help learners navigate cross-cultural communication more effectively.

Review Questions

• How does pragmatic transfer influence communication between speakers of different languages?
  • Pragmatic transfer influences communication by causing speakers to apply their native language's norms and expectations to their interactions in a second language. This can lead to misunderstandings, as what may be considered polite or appropriate in one culture might be seen as rude or inappropriate in another. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication.
• In what ways can awareness of pragmatic transfer improve language teaching methods?
  • Awareness of pragmatic transfer can improve language teaching methods by encouraging educators to incorporate cultural context into their lessons. By explicitly teaching the pragmatic aspects of the target language, such as politeness strategies and speech acts that differ from the learners' first language, instructors can help students avoid potential pitfalls in communication and promote more effective interaction.
• Evaluate the impact of pragmatic transfer on intercultural communication in a globalized world.
  • Pragmatic transfer has a significant impact on intercultural communication in today's globalized world, where people frequently interact across cultural boundaries. Misunderstandings stemming from different pragmatic norms can lead to conflicts or breakdowns in communication. However, by fostering awareness and understanding of these differences, individuals can enhance their communicative competence, leading to more meaningful exchanges and collaboration in diverse environments.

Related terms

Politeness Theory: A framework that explores how individuals manage social relationships through language, focusing on strategies that maintain face and navigate social hierarchies.

Interlanguage: The evolving linguistic system that language learners create as they acquire a second language, which incorporates elements from both their native language and the target language.

Cultural Relativity: The principle that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood based on their own culture rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture.