On the teaching and learning of L2 sociolinguistic competence in classroom settings

Abstract

It is well-recognized that in acquiring a new language, second language (L2) learners, in addition to learning structural, functional, and discoursal rules, have to internalize sociolinguistic rules that can guide them in the choice of appropriate forms. Research has amply shown that even advanced learners’ communicative behavior, due to a lack of sociolinguistic competence, may often deviate from L2 conventions so as to cause many cross-cultural misunderstandings. The study reported in this paper was an investigation of classroom practice and its effects on the learner’s development of sociolinguistic competence. The purpose is to examine and discuss, based on the data obtained from classroom observation, what foreign language teachers may need to pay close attention to when teaching a foreign language.