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Exercise 1: Observing Refusals in Japanese -1

 

 

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*        As illustrated in the examples, making a direct/indirect refusal (saying no) and providing a reason for the refusal are common strategies in the discourse of refusals, although either one could be omitted or just hinted at.

 

*        Also, notice the change in the level of politeness while talking to a friend as opposed to talking to a teacher.  As in any other speech acts, using an appropriate level of politeness is an important strategy.

 

 

*        Notice some other characteristics of the refusals in the second example (refusing the teacher’s invitation).  

            (Parts in red are core refusal statements.)

 

¨      Hedging expressions

               あの、ちょっとあのアルバイトの方が入ってまして、あの行くことができないんですけれども。  ano, chotto ano arubaitono houga haitte mashite, ano, ikukotoga dekinain desu keredomo.  ‘Well, I’m afraid that um, I have to work part-time and um, I am not able to come.

 

¨      Markers for upcoming refusals

               それでちょっと申し訳ないんですけれどもあの、今回だけはちょっと、あの、遠慮させていただこうかな、と思ってますので。  Sorede chotto moushiwake nain desu keredomo ano, konkai dakewa chotto, ano, enryosasete itadakoukana, toomotte masunode.  Well, I’m really sorry, but I don’t think I can make it just this time.

 

¨      Incomplete sentences to avoid sounding too assertive (see both examples above)

 

 

Go on to Exercise 2

 

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