This book examines how nonnative speakers develop pragmatic ability in a nonprimary language, focusing on acquisitional processes, conditions, and sequential patterns. Nine chapters discuss the following: (1) "Introduction to Second Language Pragmatic Development"; (2) "Theories of Second Language Pragmatic Development" (e.g., the acculturation model, cognitive processing, and language socialization); (3) "Approaches to Developmental Pragmatics Research" (e.g., methodological resources from across the social sciences); (4) "Developmental Patterns in Second Language Pragmatics" (e.g., pragmatic comprehension and pragmatic transfer and ability); (5) "The Development of Pragmatics and Grammar" (e.g. pragmatics precedes grammar and grammar precedes pragmatics); (6) "Learning Context and Learning Opportunities" (e.g., input and interaction in noninstructional settings and appraising the influence of the learning environment); (7) "The Role of Instruction in Learning Second Language Pragmatics" (e.g., learner characteristics and learning contexts and instruction versus exposure); (8) "Individual Differences in L2 Pragmatic Development" (e.g., a framework for individual differences research and social identity in learning); and (9) "Epilogue." (Contains approximately 440 references.) (SM)