Takafumi Shimizu

My research focuses on how communicative competence in a second language develops among learners of Japanese and English, drawing on perspectives from second language acquisition, interlanguage pragmatics, and discourse analysis. In particular, I am interested in the acquisition and development of pragmatic competence—the ability to use language appropriately and effectively in relation to interlocutors, situations, and interpersonal relationships, which cannot be fully captured by knowledge of linguistic forms, vocabulary, and grammar alone.

My earlier research examined how different learning environments affect the development of pragmatic competence in a second language, as well as how learners notice aspects of language use and develop and revise hypotheses about pragmatic knowledge. More recently, I have expanded my research to everyday interaction, particularly casual conversation. Through the analysis of naturally occurring conversations, I investigate how speakers and listeners establish common ground, develop mutual understanding, and build positive interpersonal relationships through interaction.

I also pursue theoretical research in interlanguage pragmatics and explore its applications to Japanese and English language education. A central question in this work is what kinds of abilities second language learners need not only to “speak correctly,” but also to communicate appropriately in relation to their interlocutors and the situation, participate effectively in social interaction, and build relationships with others. I seek to bring these research findings into educational practice through the development of teaching materials and dictionaries designed to foster pragmatic competence, as well as through teacher education, seminars, and workshops.

In recent years, I have also been actively involved in translating research findings into resources that learners can use in actual communication, including the Japanese language textbook series Nihongo Zatsudan Master and the “Dialogue Skills” section of the Lighthouse Japanese-English Dictionary, 7th edition.

By moving between research and educational practice, I seek to understand how people develop practical communicative competence and how they come to use language to build relationships with others. Ultimately, my research explores how second language learners develop the communicative resources needed to participate more fully in social interaction, and how language education can support that development.