A prospective study investigating pragmatic transfer in the learning of Japanese as a third language (L3) is described. The study will test the hypothesis that the learner's perception of linguistic and cultural distance between the first/second languages (L1/L2) and L3 will determine conscious and unconscious decisions about which linguistic and cultural knowledge is transferable in an L3 communicative setting. Three types of data are to be gathered: data from learners of Japanese as L3 in an Australian university, using collection procedures designed to test this hypothesis; anecdotal reports from a diverse sample of L3 learners; and classroom observation of Japanese L3 instruction. Instruments to be used in the first data group include: a multiple-choice questionnaire on attitudes and motivation; a Japanese C-test; a business letter writing task; open- and closed-ended discourse completion tests; an oral recall task of Japanese dialogues, using visual prompts; and classroom observation. Several of these instruments will also be administered to native Japanese speakers for comparative purposes. It is predicted that learners who successfully navigate the complexities of three linguistic and cultural systems will experience gradual emergence of a "third self," and that findings will help explain this process. Contains 22 references. (MSE)