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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