Summary of Strategies

1.

Making the request statement

• Making the thanking statement (all exercises)

• Using appropriate thanking expressions according to the interlocutor and the situation (Ex. 3, 6, 9, all others)

2.

Abiding by the cultural norms for thanking

• Using the overlapping concepts and expressions of apology and thanks (Ex. 1, 8)

• Using the multiple functions of expressions of thanks (Ex. 4)

• Thanking for a previous favor when appropriate (Ex. 6)

• Using an appropriate number of thanking expressions (Ex. 1, 2, 7)

3.

 Using an appropriate level of politeness throughout the interaction (Ex. 2, 8, 9)

4.

Using pre- and post-thanking strategies

• Complimenting (Ex. 5)

• Apologizing (Ex. 5)

• Expressing surprise and delight (Ex. 5)

• Promising to repay (Ex. 5)

• Expressing a lack of necessity or obligation (Ex. 5)

• Emphasizing the depth of gratitude (Ex. 5, 6, 7, 8)

5.

Using the past tense of certain thanking expressions to conclude the interaction (Ex. 5)

6.

Using an appropriate tone of voice

• Using intensifiers and pronouncing them emphatically (Ex. 7, 8, 9)

• Using bows in formal thanks (Ex. 7, 9)

7.

Using some strategies for responding to thanks (accepting thanks, denying thanks, providing further help/invitation) (Ex. 10)

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.