Combinations and Connections: Reaching Across Disciplinary Boundaries

Abstract

The data-rich articles in this special issue invite readers to consider how grammar and multimodality enact social practices. In particular, they propose a reconceptualization of grammar, moving beyond an autonomous system of items and combinatorial rules to demonstrate how grammar is an embodied resource for social interaction. In this discussion, I build on this important reconceptualization of grammar in order to identify cross-cutting themes-themes that result from combining research methodologies and connecting the research reported on here with that originating from other disciplines, especially that inspired by complex dynamic systems theory. My intention is to urge all researchers not only to pursue their own research agendas but also to build on existing common ground, in order to overcome fractionalization and to contribute to our mutual understanding.

Speech acts and interaction in L2 pragmatics: Insights from Chinese as the target language

“…Because pragmatic competence is a complex, multi‐dimensional and multi‐layered construct (as stated earlier), different studies on various pragmatic features have yielded an increasing number of research findings, which are often difficult to connect and generalize. In a commentary on a special issue on emergent L2 grammar for interaction, Larsen‐Freeman (2022, p. 132) votes for combinations and connections of individual empirical studies “for the purpose of reducing the fractional thinking in the field of L2 development.” It is equally important for the field L2 pragmatics, if not more so, to reduce fractional thinking and to conduct a comprehensive survey. With respect to L2 pragmatics studies on speech acts, as House and Kádár (2023, p. 2) note, “inventing new speech acts ad libitum” is “unhelpful if our goal is to undertake replicable research based on speech acts with relevance to L2 pragmatics.” Therefore, they propose a finite and interactional speech act typology for L2 pragmatics.…”

Emergent L2 Grammars in and for Social Interaction: Introduction to the Special Issue

“…The special issue is concluded by two commentaries. Larsen–Freeman (2022, this issue) identifies cross‐cutting themes resulting from combining the research frameworks represented in the five research articles and relates them to other SLA approaches, in particular complex dynamic systems theory. Piirainen–Marsh and Lilja (2022, this issue) put into perspective educational implications that result from the articles in this special issue and, in line with recent arguments toward rewilding L2 learning and L2 education, suggest that there is a need to reconceptualize grammar as an object of learning and reconfigure pedagogical practices and frameworks to support the learner's ability to act in the social world.…”