Teaching the Pragmatics of a Second Language

A truly daunting challenge for second language learners is to adjust their language use so that it is appropriate for different socio-cultural contexts. How, for example, are learners supposed to address strangers, close friends, or people of higher social status in that culture? While acquiring discourse practices can take learners many years, research has shown that the process can be facilitated through explicit instruction.

This institute provides practical insights for teachers on how to enhance the learning of pragmatics. Participants will have hands-on opportunities to develop activities and materials for the classroom.

This institute is designed for K-16 ESL and foreign language teachers, material developers, curriculum coordinators, teacher educators, administrators, and researchers.

Testimonials from past participants:
Becoming aware and excited about new aspects of teaching are an important part of our continual development as instructors. The professional quality of the workshop, the ideas and experiences of other participants will definitely result in benefits for my students.

Pragmatics positively encourages successful communication, and successful communication means getting what we want. Isn't that what teachers need to motivate and encourage students and to raise all student's achievements? We need this kind of training!

Presenters:
Noriko Ishihara, PhD, Hosei University, Japan
Andrew D. Cohen, PhD, University of Minnesota (guest speaker)

Readings include:

Ishihara, N., & Cohen, A. D. (in press).
Teaching and learning pragmatics: Where language and culture meet. Pearson Education (latest manuscript to be shared with all participants)

2009 Registration Information

Registration Cost: $400 Early registration ($350*)

As a special incentive for early registration, the cost for each institute is $50* less if registration is postmarked on or before May 31, 2009. Many of the institutes regularly fill to capacity, so register early. Do NOT purchase airline tickets until you have received confirmation of your completed registration.

CARLA Summer Institutes, Event # 181999
College of Continuing Eduation
University of MN
20 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave
St Paul MN 55108-6069

This is a non-credit registration. You may register for credit on the first day of the institute for an additional cost for many of the institutes. See Clock Hours/Credit for more information.

Refunds can be issued up to 10 working days prior to the institute (minus a $25 processing fee). After that date, refunds minus $75 will be issued upon receipt of written request. Refunds will not be granted after the start of the institute.

The University of Minnesota (U of MN) reserves the right to cancel any institute if necessary, in which case participants will receive a full refund for that institute.

All registrants are sent an electronic receipt of registration payment. Sometimes participants don't see the receipt because their computer refers this email to their junk mailbox.

If you need a duplicate receipt you should send the following information to the registrar at: info@cce.umn.edu

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