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In:Approaches and Methods in French Second Language Acquisition Research:
Edited by Martin Howard
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 9] 2025
► pp. 206–231

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Chapter 9
Approaches and methods in research on sociolinguistic and pragmatic competence in second language French

 | University College Cork
 | Université Côte d’Azur
Published online: 3 March 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.9.09how
Abstract
This chapter offers a review and critique of methods and approaches characterising the investigation of the acquisition of the interrelated areas of sociolinguistic and pragmatic competence in second-language French. Following on an introduction to key distinguishing constructs and concepts, the chapter respectively characterises the research investigation across the two fields in relation to learner-participants, study design, data instruments and analysis, and the dominant linguistic features investigated. It goes on to consider the methodological contribution of the body of research available in second-language French to subsequently identify a roadmap of methodological directions that future research may fruitfully follow.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Constructs and concepts
  • Approaches and methods in the investigation of sociolinguistic and pragmatic competence in L2 French: An overview
    • Sociolinguistic competence
      • Learner backgrounds
      • Study design
      • Data instruments
      • Data coding and analysis
      • Sociolinguistic features
    • Pragmatic competence
      • Learner backgrounds
      • Study design
      • Data collection instruments
      • Data analysis
      • Pragmatic features
  • Approaches and methods to sociolinguistic and pragmatic competence in L2 French: Contributions and a general critique
    • L2-French methodological contributions
    • A general critique
  • Directions for the future
  • Conclusion
  • References
References (85)
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