The pragmatic mastery of styles-shifting amongst EFL learners and teachers: case of Abu-Bakr Belkaïd University, Tlemcen

Abstract

Abstract : Language use is conditioned by the context in which such use occurs. Therefore, foreign language learners, just like native speakers, are required to know how to use language appropriately in different contexts. Among the aspects of appropriate use is the choice of the speech style. Therefore, the present research aimed to probe style shifting amongst EFL learners. The point was to investigate which style they use the most when interacting with classmates in comparison to conversing with their teachers, and whether they switch between the different styles or they keep the same style as long as the participant does not change. The study considered a sample of 136 learners and 55 teachers in the department of English at Tlemcen University, Algeria. The study was built on participant observation and online questionnaires. The results revealed that EFL learners and teachers alike systematically employ switch between the different styles regardless of the social status and relational distance between the interlocutors. This indicates that learners master the pragmatic use and shift of styles in relation to context. Keywords: Context; conversation strategies; EFL learners; pragmatically competent; style shifting