Written by an international team of experts, this groundbreaking book explores the benefits and challenges of developing pragmatic competence in English as a target language, inside and outside the classroom, and among young and adult learners. The chapters present a range of first language contexts, including China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico and Norway, to provide international perspectives on how different first languages present varying challenges for developing pragmatic awareness. The book outlines cutting-edge techniques for investigating spoken and written pragmatic competence, and offers practical teaching solutions, both face-to-face and online. It also examines underexplored areas of L2 pragmatics research, such as young learner groups, the effects of textbook materials, study abroad contexts and technology-mediated instruction and assessment. Innovative and comprehensive, this volume is a unique contribution to the field of L2 pragmatics, and will be essential reading for researchers, course developers, language teachers and students.