A Study of Pragmatic Failure in Chinese University Students’ English Conversations: A Qualitative Interview Approach

This study investigates pragmatic failures in English conversations among Chinese university students, focusing on their types, causes, and coping strategies. Using a qualitative approach, the study interviewed 8 English major undergraduates, evenly divided by gender and academic year. The results reveal two main categories of pragmatic failure: social pragmatic failures (75% of errors), including issues with directness, inappropriate forms of address, and cultural missteps, and language-related pragmatic failures (25% of errors), primarily linked to misused vocabulary or structures. The causes of pragmatic failures include language transfer from Chinese to English, lack of cultural context awareness, and insufficient classroom training and practical exposure. A significant number of participants indicated that they often transferred Chinese communication norms into English, which led to misunderstandings. Additionally, many students lacked awareness of cultural differences, such as politeness and appropriate address forms in English, further contributing to pragmatic failures. The study also explores the students’ awareness of their mistakes and coping strategies. While most students were able to identify their mistakes through non-verbal feedback, only a few attempted to rephrase or apologize. The study highlights the need for more explicit instruction on pragmatics in the classroom and suggests integrating more real-life communication practice, cross-cultural comparisons, and immersive experiences to improve students’ pragmatic competence. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity and practical exposure in second language teaching, and call for educational reforms that focus on both linguistic accuracy and cultural adaptation in English language learning.