Chapter 11. Usage-based approach to teaching L2 pragmatics

Abstract

Adopting usage-based approaches, this study analysed second language L2 Chinese learners’ development of Chinese sentence final particles (SFPs) in two computer-mediated communication (CMC) conditions: CMC with and without instruction. The experimental condition provided opportunities to interact with native speakers via CMC and provided direct instruction on SFPs, while the control condition only offered opportunities to interact in CMC. Two L2 Chinese groups participated in the CMC with native speakers. This study examined whether the SFP use in the input coming from native speakers has any effect on L2 learners’ SFP output, and if so, how such effect compares between the two conditions. Results revealed a positive impact of SFP use in the experimental group but not in the control group.