Developing Pragmatic Competence in English: A Case Study of Uzbek Learners

Norpoʻlatova Nozima Yusufxon qizi

Uzbekistan State World languages university

Keywords: Keywords: Pragmatic competence, intercultural communication, Uzbek learners, EFL, sociolinguistics, discourse, speech acts, language acquisition.

---

Abstract

Annotation: This article examines the development of pragmatic competence in English among Uzbek learners and explores challenges they face in acquiring pragmatic skills required for effective communication in intercultural contexts. The research discusses theoretical foundations of pragmatic competence, factors influencing its acquisition, and the current state of pragmatic awareness among learners in Uzbekistan. It further presents a case study analyzing authentic classroom observations, learner responses, and language use in real-life situations. The study identifies common pragmatic failures, including inappropriate speech acts, limited sociolinguistic awareness, and transfer of L1 pragmatics into English. Recommendations for improving pragmatic competence through communicative approaches, authentic materials, and culturally enriched language input are proposed.

---

References

1. Bardovi-Harlig, K. (1996). Pragmatics and language teaching: Bringing pragmatics and pedagogy together. In L. F. Bouton (Ed.), Pragmatics and Language Learning (Vol. 7, pp. 21–39). University of Illinois.

2. Bardovi-Harlig, K. (2013). Developing L2 pragmatic competence: Insights from the study of interlanguage pragmatics. Language Learning, 63(S1), 68–86.

3. Bialystok, E. (1993). Pragmatic and metapragmatic competence: A framework for developmental research. In G. Kasper & S. Blum-Kulka (Eds.), Interlanguage Pragmatics (pp. 43–59). Oxford University Press.

4. Brown, P., & Levinson, S. (1987). Politeness: Some universals in language usage. Cambridge University Press.

5. Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 1–47.

6. Celce-Murcia, M. (2007). Rethinking the role of communicative competence in language teaching. In E. Alcón Soler & P. Safont Jordà (Eds.), Intercultural Language Use and Language Learning (pp. 41–57). Springer.