Summary of Strategies

1.

1.      Making the request statement

• Making the request statement (all exercises)
• Using appropriate request expressions according to the interlocutor and the situation (Ex. 4, 5, 6, all others)

2.

2.      Abiding by the cultural norms for requesting

• Selecting an appropriate level of politeness for a request expression based on the interlocutor rather than the magnitude of the imposition (Ex. 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 12)

3.

Using an appropriate level of politeness throughout the interaction(Ex. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12)

4.

Using downgraders to minimize the imposition of the request (Ex. 1, 7, 8, 9, 11)

5.

Using pre- and post-request strategies

• Offering a reason for the request  (Ex. 1, 9, 11, 12)
• Getting a precommitment (Ex. 2, 9, 12)
• Identifying the topic (Ex. 2, 11)
• Checking availability (Ex. 2, 12)
• Reinforcing the request (Ex. 8, 9)
• Promising to repay/pay back (Ex. 8)
• Showing consideration for the hearer (Ex. 8, 9, 12)
• Getting attention (Ex. 9, 11, 12)
• Offering reward or compensation (Ex.9, 12)
• Expressing apologies and/or gratitude (Ex. 7, 8, 9, 11, 12)

6.

Using an appropriate tone of voice (Ex. 10)

• Speaking hesitantly (Ex. 10, 11, 12)
• Downgrading the imposition of the request by use of certain phrases and pronounce them emphatically (Ex. 1, 7, 8, 9, 11, same as above)
• Using hints
• Using bows in formal requests

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.