Exercise 1: Observing Requests in Japanese -1

1. Think for a moment what you would say to Tomoko in an effort to borrow her class notes. Write a request statement that you would make in the box below just as if you were saying it to her directly.

2. Now, let’s listen to a sample dialogue between two friends.  Listen carefully and write down the request statement the first speaker says to make the request.

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Listen to Another Dialogue

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Situation 2

Suppose that the end of the semester is approaching and you and your friends have decided to go on a trip during the vacation to see other parts of Japan. You have determined that the cheapest and most convenient way to do it would be by car – but only if you can borrow a car from someone. The person who comes to mind is your close friend, Tomohiro, who has a car.

3. Write down a request statement as you would say to Tomohiro.

4. Listen to a sample dialogue between two friends. What does the first speaker say to make the request?

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5. Let’s review those factors in the “borrowing of class notes” and “borrowing of the car” situations that may influence what you choose to say:

                                                                         Situation 1                     Situation 2

Age difference between the two speakers:      equal                               equal
Role/status difference between the two:          equal                               equal
Closeness or distance between the two:         close                                close
Magnitude of your request:                             smaller                        much larger

Now let’s pay attention to the politeness level of a request. Which level of politeness did you observe above?

貸してくれない/もらえない*？ Kashite kurenai/moraenai*?          No keigo (no honorifics)
貸してくれ/もらえませんか？ Kashite kure/morae masenka?    Desu/masu style honorifics
貸してくださいませんか？     Kashite kudasai masenka?          Respect style honorifics
貸していただけませんか？   Kashite itadake masenka?           Humble style honorifics

* moraeru is slightly more polite than kureru.

Judging from the sample dialogues, what situational factor(s) might have a largest impact on the language of requesting in Japanese? In what way(s) are the two dialogues similar and/or different?

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

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