Scope: Journal of English Language Teaching
Vol 8, No 1 (2023): Scope: Journal of English Language Teaching

Developing an Online Test Battery for Testing EFL Pragmatic Competence: What Can It Tell Us?

Fadhlur Rahman (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Lhokseumawe)
Ella Yuzar (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Langsa)
Wanying Zhou (The University of Melbourne)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Oct 2023

Abstract

This study aims to develop a practical and reliable test to assess second language pragmatic knowledge as well as to investigate the effect of study abroad experience and proficiency level on EFL learners’ pragmatic competence. A total 59 participants, consisting of 34 females and 29 males, were categorized into groups based on their exposure to the target language and proficiency. The results show that the reliability of the test reaches ?=.798 which means it is acceptable for a language test. Further development of test items is required to achieve more adequate test reliability. The findings also suggest that learners' pragmatic knowledge can be influenced by both study-abroad experience and linguistic competence. These factors may contribute to learners' ability to appropriately respond to pragmatic utterances from the test. Thus, language learners should focus on increasing their linguistic proficiency to enhance their understanding and use of pragmatic language. This study underscores the importance of designing effective language pragmatic tests that incorporate a variety of pragmatics components and comprehensive instruments to achieve the desired test reliability and validity.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

SCOPE

Publisher

Subject

Arts Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

Scope: Journal of English Language focused to publish high-quality articles dedicated to all aspects of the latest outstanding research and developments in the fields of English Education. The scope of this journal encompasses to study of Curriculum, Technology, Media, and Innovation in Learning, ...