This book adopts a cross-sectional approach and mainly focuses on one of the core pragmatic constructs, formulaic/pragmatic routines, in addition to components put forward by Roever (2011) and Taguchi (2013). It actively integrates multidimensional pragmatic modalities—including both production (initiating and responding) and reception (recognition, comprehension, and perception), together with learners’ cognitive processes—rather than one or two types of task modalities. Focusing more on the Chinese EFL context instead of Japanese or European L1 learners, it also takes advantage of an emerging instrument, the computer-animated elicitation task, for data collection based on authentic oral responses and to avoid “coached” responses. The socio-cognitive approach, proposed by the famous linguistic expert Prof. Istvan Kecskes, is subsequently applied to conduct an in-depth analysis of the data. Hence, the book introduces a new and fruitful theoretical perspective to the traditional L2 pragmatic research field.
"Wang Yuqi should be applauded for this wonderful book written in a concise and comprehensible manner that offers plenty of food for thought for anyone interested in L2 pragmatics, and beyond. This is a book which has had a profound influence on us ... . We often refer to it as a source of ideas and inspiration as well as recommending it to others. ... it will serve as the go-to guide for all L2 language learners and teachers." (Chili Li, Journal of Pragmatics, Vol. 213, 2023)