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1. Developing Pragmatic Competence in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   Pragmatic competence is an important part of communicative competence, yet it is often insufficiently addressed. This article outlines a program of four lessons on the speech acts of openings and closings. Lessons examine dialogues for cultural differences regarding forms of address, abruptness, expected responses, and so on. Students also consider pre-closing phrases, ways to express politeness, and formality. Finally, students expand an artificial dialogue to make it more realistic. Activities include translation, pair work, creative writing, class discussion, and role play.

2. We the People

   Format(s): Website

   The National Endowment for the Humanities presents We The People. Find numerous resources dedicated to learning more about American history, culture, and democratic principles.

3. In the Loop

   Format(s): Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   This book is a wonderful reference guide to American English idioms for your classroom. The book includes idioms and their meanings, a list of idioms by theme, some ready-to-use classroom activities, and a comprehensive index.

4. Changing English: What Teachers Should Know

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   This webinar "Changing English: What Teachers Should Know," demonstrates the ever-changing nature of English and what teachers need to know in order to successfully keep up!

5. Cross Cultural Activities and Lesson Plans

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Activities and lesson plans based on Peace Corps Volunteers’ cross-cultural experiences.

6. Seismic Sleuths

   Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

   Have you ever wondered what causes earthquakes? The Federal Emergency Management Agency presents a six unit activity package that assesses student knowledge of earthquakes and provides information about preparedness and emergency management.

7. Veterans Day

   In: Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A. Format(s): Text

   On this holiday, Americans remember war veterans and the trials and hardships they experienced.

8. Teaching Refusals in an EFL Setting

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   The goals of this lesson in Teaching Pragmatics are: raising awareness that misunderstandings can be caused by differences in performing speech acts between Japanese and Americans; making learners aware of what they know already and encouraging them to use their universal or transferable L1 pragmatic knowledge in L2 contexts; teaching the appropriate linguistic forms that are likely to be encountered in performing speech acts.

9. New Years Eve

   In: Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A. Format(s): Text

   In the United States, people begin celebrating the New Year on December 31, New Years Eve.

10. Speakers and Task Type: Increasing Awareness of Factors Involved in Speech Act Production

    In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text

    The goal of this article is to increase awareness of the factors that affect the linguistic realization of speech acts in American English.

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