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Understanding Chinese Pragmatics: How L1 and L2 differ

Center for East Asian Studies lecture by Dr. Wei Hong, Purdue University.

The intimate relationship between language and culture has long been observed in second language (L2) pragmatics and sociolinguistics. Most scholars in L2 acquisition have operated with the assumption that learning a language means acquiring a set of pragmatic norms and cultural values embodied in the target language. However, development of L2 learners’ pragmatic competence, actual curricular commitment and textbook compatibility have been thus far limited. This presentation looks at some key issues in the development of L2 learner’s pragmatic competence and L2 pragmatic failures that may cause confusion and conflicts. Citing from Confucian traditions, concepts, and values such as politeness, face and indirectness, this talk will discuss how Chinese pragmatics is shaped, contextualized, and reflected in ways Chinese L1 and L2 communicate. Discussions will also include how and how much pragmatics should and can be taught in Chinese L2 language classes.

Dr. Wei Hong is Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs of the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Applied Linguistics and Director of Chinese Language Program in the School of Languages and Cultures at Purdue University. Her major publications include books of Business Chinese and Chinese and German Requests, journal articles on requests in German and Chinese, intercultural pragmatics of “apology”, “refusal” and “request”, teaching Chinese as a Second Language, distance Chinese and Business Chinese. Dr. Hong was a recipient of Purdue University Teaching for Tomorrow Award in Fall 2000, and Excellence in Distance Learning On-line Innovation Award from Purdue Digital Education in 2015. Professionally, Dr. Hong was a member of the Board of Advisors of Chinese Language Teachers Association in the US, and Big Ten Academic Leadership Program Fellow of Purdue University.

Feb 22, 2023 04:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)