Theaching pragmatics has to do with teaching the meaining of language in context. It has to do with exploring different intentions of language depending on relationship, situation, intention, etc.

The frase: "Are you going home soon?" could have different meainings and intentions depending on the situation. I could mean that I want you to go, or that I need a ride, or that I am offering you a ride, or that I don't want to go home alone, etc. The meaning of the question depends on the relationship and the circumstances in which the question is asked.

There are books that offer exercises to explore pragmatics. The most important thing to consider when designing exercises or using materials that intend to develop pragmatic competence is that how the teacher approaches and uses the material is crucial.

For example you might have the following exercise: (taken from Beyond Language, Deena R. Levine and Mara B. Adelman, Prentce Hall.)

If someone offers you some food that you really don't like, you might say:

In your country: _______________________________________.

In the United states:

1. "I hate that"
2. "Sure, I'd love some more."
3. "I'll have just a little bit, please."
4. "Thanks, but I'm really full."

A teacher may approach the exercise as it is writen and concentrate on what is appropriate in the US or in Guatemala, focusing on a single right answer that is polite, appropriate, etc.

A different way, and a more useful, way to approach the material would be to explore how all the options are appropriate in different circumstances and try to decide what those circumstances are. This exploration could be done thinking of american culture as well as Guatemalan culture. Students could then roleplay the different situations in which each of the responses are appropriate.

In conclusion, when teaching pragmatics in a cultural lesson, it is important to avoid creating stereotypes or relying on them in order to explore appropriateness and meaning. It is more useful to explore the different meanings a phrase might have and the different situations in which a given phrase might be appropriate.