Developing awareness raising of rhetorical aspects in English as an additional language

Abstract

Learning a language is not just knowing its vocabulary, grammar and phonology. These are undoubtedly important aspects of language. On the other hand, in order to be able to communicate efficiently the learner also needs to be familiar with the pragmatic aspects of language. Bearing this in mind, we will propose an analysis of two texts (one literary and other political). We will discuss Rhetoric considering it a subarea of Pragmatics and analyze its theoretical issues and application. Afterwards we will compare it to Speech Act and Conversational Implicature theories. The aim of this research is, then, to compare both theories and check if it is possible to work with both in the same analysis as complementary tools to promote a more complete analysis of texts and speeches. With the final considerations we intend to suggest for English as Additional Language (EAL) teaching, as well as for first language teaching, strategies aspiring to promote pragmatic awareness raising skills among students, being included the rhetorical awareness.