A pragmatic study of congratulation strategies of Pakistani ESL learners and British English speakers

Abstract People usually express their feelings and emotions positively to others when they have happy occasions. However, the ways of expressing congratulation may vary because expressive speech act “congratulations” is not only way happiness share news. The present study investigates strategies Pakistani English as second language (ESL) learners British speakers under influence social distance variable. A quantitative approach applied in analysis with frequency (semantic formulas) being numerically analyzed. current recruited 120 participants, who were further divided into four different groups: 30 speakers, ESL elite class, middle lower class. For data collection, a discourse completion test (DCT) was used tool. findings reveal that most frequently types strategy are illocutionary force indicating device (IFID) followed by overlapped (a combination two), an offer good wish, expression happiness, request for information, encouragement, surprise, suggestion celebration , while other participants. reveals existence crosscultural differences use congratulations learners. show how class more elaborated form compliment responses (CRs) compared speakers. help understanding pragmalinguistic sociopragmatic aspects