Summary of Strategies

1.

 Making the refusal statement

• Making the refusal statement (all exercises)
• Using appropriate refusal expressions according to the interlocutor and the situation (Ex. 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, all others)

2.

 Abiding by the cultural norms for refusing

• Using generic reasons when appropriate (Ex.2, 3, 5)
• Using a white lie as a face-saving strategy (Ex.2, 3, 5)
• Speaking honestly with close friends (Ex.2, 3, 5)
• Making ‘ritual refusals’ before accepting an offer (Ex. 6)

3.

 Using an appropriate level of politeness throughout the interaction (Ex. 1, 2, 5, 9)

4.

 Using strategies of refusals

• Making the refusing statement (all exercise)
• Providing a reason for the refusal (Ex. 1, 2, 5, 7, 9)
• Offering an alternative (Ex. 5, 7, 9)
• Apologizing/Stating regret (Ex. 7, 9)
• Promising future acceptance (Ex. 7)
• Making an unspecific reply (Ex. 7)
• Postponing a response (Ex. 7)
• Stating positive feelings (Ex. 7)

5.

 Using an appropriate tone of voice

• Alerting the hearer as to the upcoming refusal
• Speaking hesitantly (Ex. 8, 9)
• Stating positive feelings
• Apologizing
• Leaving the refusal sentence incomplete (Ex. 4, 8)
• Using bows in formal refusals (Ex. 8)

1.

Finding an informant (a native or non-native expert of the culture) who can answer your questions regarding sociolinguistic or sociocultural norms in the target language/culture.

2.

Listening to other speakers carefully to observe the cultural norms and language of their speech.  Making your own hypotheses or hunches regarding appropriate use of the target language and being willing to renew them as necessary. 

3.

Finding resources that can inform you of the target language and culture.