Pedagogical implications of pragmatic video clips in an EFL context with L1 Arabic speakers

This study looks at the pedagogical implications of pragmatic video clips in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) setting with native L1 Arabic speakers. Previous research on the use of video clips in pedagogy with this population of learners is limited. This study consists of administering pragmatic video clips to 28 high intermediate/advanced level English, L1 Arabic learners at the American University of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. This research looks primarily at the following pragmatic and pedagogical issues: investigating the frequency of pragmatic-related episodes (PREs) in three high intermediate/advanced level EFL classes at this university and observing/collecting data on how pragmatic-focused video clips may or may not aid EFL second language learners in their quest for pragmatic knowledge. Analysis showed that pragmatic video clips were beneficial in improving L2 pragmatic competence. These results provide suggestions for future EFL pragmatic teaching methodologies.