Investigating the Pragmatic Competence of Sudanese EFL Learners' Oral Proficiency

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating pragmatic competence of Sudanese EFL learner's oral proficiency. The descriptive analytic method was adopted in conducting the study. A questionnaire, test and interview were chosen as tools for data collection. The interview was given to (5) experts who specialized in applied linguistics. The questionnaire was distributed to (30) English language teachers at different Universities. And the test was carried out by (120) Undergraduate students at three Universities namely; University of Khartoum, Alzaiem Alazhari University and Sudan University. The (SPSS) program Statistical Package for social Sciences was used for data analysis, the statistical analysis for the results of the instruments showed that pragmatic competence makes learners competent in speaking; it develops learner's pronunciation, self-confidence and helps learners use language appropriately. The findings also reveals that both teachers and students believe that context determines the choice of the language that is appropriate in different situations the findings show that the Context helps learners express request, apology, and it raises learner's awareness of target language culture. The findings also reveal that the textbook and language program prescribed for 4th year students are inadequate enough yet to develop their pragmatic competence. Based on the study findings, some Recommendations are finally presented, in addition to some suggestions for further studies.