Introduction

Abstract

AbstractLanguage learning motivation is very likely to influence the process and outcome of second language (L2) learning (Ellis, Understanding second language acquisition, Oxford University Press, 2015). However, to date, little research has explored the relationship between L2 motivation and pragmatic acquisition. The potential role of motivation in the acquisition of L2 pragmatic competence has been largely under-researched (Taguchi and Roever, Second language pragmatics, Oxford University Press, 2017). This book aims to explore how language learners come to know what to say to whom in an English as a foreign language (EFL) context and whether and to what extent their language learning motivation impacts their learning. This chapter concisely presents the current situation of second language (L2) pragmatics, explains the rationale of the study, introduces the research questions, and outlines the structure of the different chapters.KeywordsLanguage learning motivationL2 pragmaticsPragmatic competencePragmatic awarenessPragmatic comprehensionPragmatic productionL2 motivational self systemMixed methods designEFL learners