Exercise 9: Simulation Exercises for Making a Refusal

Refusals in Sample Dialogue 1

Strategies used

Response 1. You refuse his request by telling him you have an exam tomorrow.

私明日生物のテストがあるから、ちょっと今日は無理。  Watashi ashita seibutsuno tesutoga arukara, chotto kyouwa muri. ‘An English paper.  Well, I have a biology exam tomorrow, too.  I don’t think I can do it today.’

Ø        Making a (mitigated) direct refusal

Ø        Giving a reason

Ø        Using an appropriate level of politeness

Response 2. You apologize and refuse again.

私も生物の試験、大変だからね、もうちょっと今日は絶対だめ。  Uun, watashimo seibutsuno shaken, taihen dakarane,  mou chotto kyouwa zettai dame.  ‘Well, my biology exam is a tough one, too.  I definitely can’t do it today.’

うん、ごめんね。Un, gomenne.  ‘No.  I’m sorry.  (Sample Dialogue 2)

Ø        Giving a reason

Ø        Making a (mitigated) direct refusal

Ø        Apologizing

Ø        Speaking hesitantly (e.g., hedging)

Response 3. You give an alternative or two to help him.

私の友達の京子ちゃん、すっごい英語上手だから、あの子に聞いてみたらいいよ。  Watashino tomodachino Kyouko-chan, suggoi eigo jouzu dakara, ano koni kiite mitara iiyo.  Zettai yatte kurerutte.  ‘No.  I’m sorry.  Oh, a friend of mine, Kyoko.  She is so good at English.  Why don’t you ask her?’

Ø        Giving an alternative