Sarcouncil Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences

Abstract: This study explores the impact of feedback as a discourse practice on learner motivation in Vietnamese contexts, particularly in environments that require continuous learning and adaptation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with eight participants across different professional and educational backgrounds using purposive sampling. Drawing on discourse analysis and pragmatics, the findings indicate that both positive and negative feedback function as communicative acts that shape motivation when realized appropriately. The effectiveness of feedback depends on linguistic features such as politeness strategies, mitigation, tone, and contextual appropriateness. Cultural norms, particularly face-saving and indirect communication, play a crucial role in how feedback is interpreted and internalized. The study contributes to the understanding of feedback as a socially situated discourse practice and provides pedagogical implications for designing effective feedback strategies in language education and professional communication.