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Chapter 7. Working memory and task difficulty as factors of L2 pragmatics

  • Shuai Li
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L2 Pragmatics in Action
Ein Kapitel aus dem Buch L2 Pragmatics in Action

Abstract

This study explored the effects of working memory capacity and task difficulty on pragmatic performance in Chinese as a second language (L2). Fifty American learners of Chinese completed a pragmatic listening judgment test (LJT), an oral discourse completion test (ODCT), and a working memory test. The LJT and the ODCT involved two scenario types with different levels of task difficulty: a PDR-high (i.e. higher power, large distance and high imposition) condition, and a PDR-low (i.e. equal power, small distance and low imposition) condition. Results showed that task difficulty influenced pragmatic production but not pragmatic judgment. Working memory capacity correlated with ODCT appropriateness scores and LJT response times, but these correlation patterns were only found under the PDR-high condition rather than the PDR-low condition.

Abstract

This study explored the effects of working memory capacity and task difficulty on pragmatic performance in Chinese as a second language (L2). Fifty American learners of Chinese completed a pragmatic listening judgment test (LJT), an oral discourse completion test (ODCT), and a working memory test. The LJT and the ODCT involved two scenario types with different levels of task difficulty: a PDR-high (i.e. higher power, large distance and high imposition) condition, and a PDR-low (i.e. equal power, small distance and low imposition) condition. Results showed that task difficulty influenced pragmatic production but not pragmatic judgment. Working memory capacity correlated with ODCT appropriateness scores and LJT response times, but these correlation patterns were only found under the PDR-high condition rather than the PDR-low condition.

Heruntergeladen am 10.12.2025 von https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1075/lllt.58.07lis/html
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