Abstract: Pragmatic failure is a common problem in intercultural communication. The causes of pragmatic failure are various. Many scholars give the explanations of pragmatic failure from all aspects. However, few linguists apply the theory of pragmatic failure to instruct the oral English teaching and propose the approaches to solve this problem. In order to explain the significance of the theory of pragmatic failure to the oral English teaching, this thesis first introduces the pragmatic competence, oral competence and the relationship between them. Then this thesis introduces the definition and types of pragmatic failure. After getting some basic knowledge of pragmatic failure, this thesis discusses the causes of pragmatic failure from the aspects of pragmalinguistics and sociopragmatics. From the aspect of pragmalinguistics, this thesis discusses improper use of target language expression, the disobedience of the Cooperative Principle and the Politeness Principle and so on. From the aspect of sociopragmatics, this thesis discusses the causes of pragmatic failure from cultural difference, social status and taboo topics. At last how to avoid the pragmatic failure in oral English teaching brings the thesis to its main concern. It proposes approaches from changing the ways of thinking, more authentic input, obedience of pragmatic principles and the knowledge of cultural differences. In a word, this thesis aims at finding out the causes of pragmatic failure to propose approaches in oral English teaching.

Key words: Pragmatic failure; Causes; Oral English Teaching; Approaches

Content

摘要：

Abstract:

Introduction-5

Chapter One A General Introduction to Oral Competence and Pragmatic Competence.-6

Chapter Two A General Introduction to Pragmatic Failure-7

Chapter Three Causes of Pragmatic Failure-7

3.1 The potential pragmalinguistic failure and its causes-7

3.1.1 Improper use of target language expression-8

3.1.2 Strict obedience of grammatical rules in target language-8

3.1.3 Inappropriate transference of speech act strategies-9

3.1.4 Uncomprehension of speech act theory-10

3.1.5 Nontranslatability of illocutionary force-11

3.1.6 Violation of the Cooperative Principle-12

3.1.7 Violation of the Politeness Principle-14

3.2 The potential sociopragmatic failure and its causes-16

3.2.1 Cultural and value judgments-16

3.2.2 Interlocutor’s identity or social status-17

3.2.3 Taboo topics-18

Chapter Four Approaches to Avoid Pragmatic Failure in Oral-18

English Teaching-18

4.1 Thinking in the target language-18

4.2 More authentic input-19

4.3 Adding the basic pragmatic principle into teaching-20

4.4 The knowledge of cultural differences-20

Conclusion-21

Bibliography-21

Acknowledgements-22