ERIC Number: EJ756514
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 6
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0042-062X
EISSN: N/A
Increasing Pragmatic Awareness: Die Vagheit der Sprache "und so"
Overstreet, Maryann; Tran, Jennie; Zietze, Sylvia
Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German, v39 n1-2 p24-29 Fall 2006
This article presents a description of some pragmatic expressions ("oder so," "und so," "oder wie") rarely found in textbooks, but common in everyday conversation. Though often treated as vague or superfluous, these expressions perform important functions in interpersonal communication. Focusing on these easily identifiable phrases can help students see how speakers make their offers or requests sound less demanding, facilitate understanding by appealing to shared experiences, and increase fluency in spoken interaction. After illustrating the use of these expressions in recorded German conversations, we address the importance of raising pragmatic awareness and offer practical suggestions for doing so in class.
Descriptors: Interpersonal Communication, Pragmatics, German, Second Language Instruction, Second Language Learning, Language Fluency, Teaching Methods
American Association of Teachers of German. 112 Haddontowne Court #104, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-3668. Tel: 856-795-5553; Fax: 856-795-9398; e-mail: headquarters@aatg.org; Web site: http://www.aatg.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A