Teaching the language of apologies in efl classrooms

Successful communication in a foreign language requires not only good linguistic knowledge. An important area is being able to use the foreign language appropriately, taking into consideration the norms of speaking characteristic of the foreign language culture. The article discusses the role of pragmatic instruction in TEFL, with a focus on apologies – a speech act that contributes to maintaining social relationships. After revealing some peculiarities of apologies in the Anglo culture, it offers some activities that contribute to raising learners’ pragmatic awareness regarding the functioning of this speech act in English.