Abstract:

This study investigated the status of pragmatic awareness among Saudi EFL learners and the differences in pragmatic awareness between Saudi male and female EFL learners. The participants in the study consisted of 28 male and 28 female language learners whose proficiency levels ranged from intermediate to advanced. The instrument used for this study had two parts: the first section consisted of demographic questions and the second four sub-sections on language learners; language teachers; classmates; and learning institutes, course books, and exams. The findings of the study revealed that Saudi language learners had an average level of pragmatic awareness. There were no major gender differences in pragmatic awareness. The outcomes of this research will be of use to linguists, curriculum designers for foreign languages, foreign language instructors, and learners. Strengths and weaknesses are highlighted for different stakeholders to take action and create better English as a Foreign Language classroom environment and increase learners’ pragmatic awareness.

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