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Exercise 9: Simulation Exercises for Thanking

 

Let’s listen to a sample dialogue between two speakers. Observe their language carefully to determine some situational factors (age difference, role/status difference, closeness or distance between the two speakers, and the magnitude of your gratitude) and the level of politeness in language.

Click to Listen


1. Judging from the language they use, what is their age and status difference? What is the magnitude of the favor the first speaker is receiving?

View Transcript


Now, it’s your turn! Imagine yourself talking to a university instructor.

Shimuzu sensei is a young professor at your university in Tokyo. You are working on a big project and work closely with Shimizu sensei. Today, you have been in her office for over an hour, discussing the project. She has given you very helpful advice. As you leave her office, you thank her for her time.

2. You:

Shimizu sensei:いえ。じゃあ、また来週。 Ie. Jaa, mata raishuu.

3. You:

4. Listen to a sample dialogue between a professor and a student. What exactly does the student say to thank the professor?

 Click to Listen

 

 

 

Self-Evaluation

Evaluate your expressions of thanks in terms of:

    5. Thanking expressions used in consideration of the recipient

    6. Intensifiers

    7. Level of Politeness (use or non-use of keigo)

    8. Tone of voice (e.g., stress, non-verbals)

 

9. In light of the situational factors and the level of politeness, what are the similarities and differences between thanks in this situation and those in the previous exercise (Ex. 8)?

View Transcript of Sample Dialogue

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

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