TEACHING PRAGMATIC COMPETENCE THROUGH ROLE-PLAY IN EFL CLASSROOMS

Аннотация

Pragmatic competence is a crucial component of communicative competence, enabling learners to use language appropriately across social and cultural contexts. However, it remains underdeveloped in many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings due to limited exposure to authentic communication. This study investigates the effectiveness of role-play as a pedagogical strategy for enhancing pragmatic competence in EFL classrooms. Using a quasi-experimental design, the research examines how structured role-play activities influence learners’ ability to perform speech acts such as requests, refusals, and apologies. Findings indicate that role-play significantly improves learners’ pragmatic awareness, fluency, and confidence. The study concludes that integrating role-play into EFL instruction provides meaningful communicative opportunities and recommends its systematic incorporation into language curricula.