Exercise 10: Simulation Exercise for Apologizing – 2

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Let’s have a closer look at the effective strategies used in the sample dialogue.

•     Using an appropriate apology expression(s) and level of politeness

The speaker in the sample dialogue uses ごめん（ね）  gomen(ne).  The politeness level of this apology expression is consistent with that of her overall language use – the plain form with no honorifics.  This is an appropriate level of politeness for use with a close friend. 

•     Using an appropriate number of apology expressions

The speaker in the dialogue says ごめん（ね）  gomen(ne) four times.  Two to four times would probably be appropriate in this situation to communicate sincerity.

•     Providing an appropriate reason

Her reason may be typical of a night owl:

昨日夜遅かったからさ、朝起きたらもう１０時だったの   kinou yoru osokatta karasa, asa okitara mou 10 ji dattano  ‘I went to bed late last night, and it was already 10 am when I woke up’

•     Use of other strategies

Showing consideration for the hearer

すごい待った？ Sugoi matta?

Offering a repair

今度なんかおごるから。Kondo nanka ogoru kara.  ‘I’ll treat you next time.’

•     Using an appropriate tone of voice

Using an appropriate intensifier and pronouncing them emphatically

ほんとごめんね。Honto gomenne.

Finally, the last strategy we introduce to you is to listen to other Japanese speakers carefully to observe their use of speech act strategies just like we did in the exercises.  Make your own hypotheses regarding appropriate use of the target language and be willing to renew them as necessary. 

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