Abstract
Abstract
L2 pragmatics investigates second language users' ability to engage in extended interaction with others and use language appropriately to the interlocutor, discourse context, and physical context. It was traditionally informed by speech act theory and politeness theory, but the theoretical framework has in recent years shifted toward conversation analysis. Mirroring research in second language acquisition, the main interest of second language pragmatics is learners' development. The impact of individual difference factors has also been investigated, with the roles of proficiency and the learning environment drawing most research attention. Research on L2 pragmatics and interaction has the potential to inform pedagogy and assessment, and L2 pragmatic and interactional abilities have been shown in research studies to be teachable and assessable. However, the integration of findings from L2 pragmatics and interaction research in curricula and test instruments is still lacking. This entry discusses these subtopics of L2 pragmatics research.