Language use in academic settings extends beyond conveying propositional meaning to signaling social meanings related to identity, stance, and contextual appropriateness. This study examines indexicality in academic English classrooms, focusing on how learners’ language choices point to meanings beyond their literal content. Grounded in sociolinguistic and pragmatic perspectives, the research explores how linguistic features such as lexical choice, modality, politeness markers, and register index formality, authority, and academic positioning. The study was conducted among tertiary-level English language learners at a state university in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Using a qualitative classroom-based research design, data were collected through classroom observations, audio-recorded interactions, analysis of academic speaking and writing tasks, and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that learners gradually developed sensitivity to indexical meanings through teacher modeling, feedback, and repeated exposure to academic discourse practices. The study concludes that explicit attention to indexicality enhances learners’ pragmatic competence and supports more contextually appropriate academic language use.

Authors:
Charito Ong, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Charito Ong is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Philippines

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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