Title: Pragmatic Competence In Second Language Acquisition: Challenges And Strategies For Uzbek Learners
Authors: Madinabonu Qo'ldosheva
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 197-201
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
This paper investigates the development of pragmatic competence in second language acquisition (SLA), focusing specifically on the challenges faced by Uzbek learners of English and the pedagogical strategies required to overcome them. Pragmatic competence, the ability to use language effectively and appropriately in various social contexts, is frequently overshadowed by grammatical and lexical instruction in traditional classrooms. Consequently, advanced learners often produce structurally flawless but socially inappropriate utterances. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing both quantitative performance on discourse completion tasks (DCTs) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that socio-cultural transfer, lack of authentic interactional exposure, and textbook limitations significantly hinder target-like pragmatic performance. Based on these findings, we propose a framework for integrating explicit pragmatic instruction and authentic multimedia materials into the Uzbek English language curriculum to foster comprehensive communicative competence.