Enhancing Pragmatic Competence in EFL Instruction through Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Pragmatic competence represents a crucial dimension of communicative competence, encompassing learners’ ability to use language appropriately across sociocultural contexts. In English as a Foreign Language (EFL) environments, limited exposure to authentic communication often results in pragmatic deficiencies despite adequate grammatical proficiency. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies provide innovative opportunities for addressing these challenges through interactive simulations, adaptive feedback, and personalized learning experiences. Drawing on current research in interlanguage pragmatics and technology-enhanced language learning, the article discusses theoretical foundations, instructional strategies, and practical classroom applications. Particular emphasis is placed on examples of AI-mediated activities targeting speech acts, sociopragmatic awareness, metapragmatic reflection, and pragmatic feedback. A comparative analysis of traditional and AI-mediated instruction is presented, demonstrating the advantages of AI tools in providing dynamic simulations, immediate personalized feedback, increased interaction frequency, and enhanced learner autonomy. Therefore, AI tools can significantly enhance pragmatic competence development when integrated into communicative and task-based pedagogical frameworks with appropriate teacher guidance.