Delving into Speech Act of Suggestion: A Case of Pakistani EFL Learners

Abstract

Pragmatic instruction specially related to speech acts focuses on providing awareness to the language learners to determine language functions in different social contexts for the enhancement of their pragmatic skills. This study examines the use of suggestion strategies in English by Pakistani EFL learners. The results of the study show some differences in the pragmatical and grammatical appropriateness as well as in the use of some suggestion strategies between first year and final year EFL Pakistani learners at bachelor’s level. The study reveals no significant difference in the preferences of major suggestion strategies by both male and female Pakistani EFL learners. Interestingly, the female learners were observed to use more softened categories of suggestions than the male students, whereas the male students were observed to use more direct categories of suggestions than the female learners. The study also indicates that Pakistani EFL learners often suggest in English and are aware of the status differences for using suggestion strategies in English. The study implies the incorporation of pragmatic instruction of speech acts in ESL courses in Pakistan.