Abstract
The aim of a discourse-pragmatic approach to teaching the indicative/subjunctive contrast in Spanish is to engage students to move beyond grammar and semantics and enter the domain of language use in complete texts. Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research have mostly focused on the morphology, semantics and syntactic aspects of the subjunctive mood in stand-alone sentences at various levels of proficiency, a perspective reflected in textbooks and instructional materials. This current study addresses the cohesive discursive function performed by the present subjunctive in speakers’ comments when reformulating already known content by the interlocutors. The pedagogical proposal is grounded on the latest linguistic and SLA research on the indicative/subjunctive contrast and on a constructivist, concept, and task-based approach to second language learning. It provides an instructional sample that was implemented in an intermediate-level university class. Further linguistic research on the subjunctive’s communicative functions and L2 acquisition of mood distinction in discourse are needed to inform pedagogical initiatives that address Spanish mood in full texts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
