spaceCenter for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA)
 
 
 
 
 

Introduction to Speech Acts

Let us assume that you have been studying abroad at a Japanese university in Tokyo for the last few months. This is your first time in Japan. You have taken a few years of Japanese at a university level in the U.S., and you have always been a pretty good student. You are living in a flat with a Japanese roommate, Jun. You love Japanese animation; in fact that is how you initially became interested in the language and culture. You are a music lover, also. Aside from classes in Japanese language, you are studying Japanese history and international relations. You are sociable by nature, which is why you wanted to have a roommate.

Situation 8:

You are on the train overhearing a conversation between female high school students. They seem like close friends to you. One compliments the other on her new cell phone saying, それすっごいかわいいね。 Sore suggoi kawaiine.  "That’s really cute." and the other accepts, and even upgrades the compliment. She says, そうでしょ？　すっごいお気に入りなの。  Soudesho?  Suggoi okiniiri nano.  "Isn't that so? It's definitely my favorite." She goes on to talk about what great features the phone has. You remember Japanese compliments in your studies back in the U.S. Your instructor told you not to accept compliments, but rather reject them. Is what you’re hearing on the train an exception to the rule? Who can accept compliments?

Your section (if applicable)/Your last name, Your first name:
Example: 010/Smith, John



 
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