Towards a typology of modifiers for the speech act of requesting: a socio-pragmatic approach

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose a functional typology of peripheral modification devices (i.e. optional elements that serve to soften or intensify the impositive nature of requests) from a socio-pragmatic approach. To that end, we will first provide a definition of these particular devices by explaining the difference between internal and external modifiers, as well as highlighting which is the purpose in using these devices. Second, we will review in detail previous research conducted on these elements by examining studies from both the cross-cultural and interlanguage pragmatics perspectives. Third, we will present the typology we have elaborated on the basis of these studies, as well as the analysis of EFL learners' oral production data. Finally, several pedagogical implications will be suggested concerning the integration of our proposed typology in the foreign language classroom with the aim to foster learners' pragmatic competence as far as requestive behaviour is concerned.