In this study, we conducted a research mainly investigating refusal expressions in Japanese and Korean linguistic cultures, which have seemingly similar but inherently different aspects. In order to achieve this, we collected and analyzed reactions th...
In this study, we conducted a research mainly investigating refusal expressions in Japanese and Korean linguistic cultures, which have seemingly similar but inherently different aspects. In order to achieve this, we collected and analyzed reactions that undergraduate and graduate students expressed in refusing a request from their academic advisers.
First, Korean and Japanese universities conducted a quantitative research (short-answer and multiple-choice questions surveys) investigating what strategies native speakers in each country use. They also conducted a qualitative research by administrating interviews to analyze the strategies employed by speakers from each country when using their native language and when using a foreign language. After comparing and further analyzing the results of the quantitative and the qualitative research, they deduced the following conclusions:
Results regarding the Usage of Semantic Formulas in Refusal Expressions:
1)In multiple-choice questions, the ranking of semantic formulas in refusal expressions by usage frequency is as follows in Korea: Providing an Explanation for Refusal > Making a Promise > Introducing a Friend > Making an Apology > Keeping Silence. On the other hand, the ranking of semantic formulas in order of usage frequency in Japan is: Providing an Explanation for Refusal > Making a Promise > Making an Apology > Introducing a Friend. It is evident that Proposing an Alternate Means by Introducing a Friend is a distinctive feature of Korean linguistic culture.
2)In short-answer questions, the semantic formulas are ranked in order of decreasing frequency as follows in Korea: Making an Apology > Providing an Explanation for Refusal > Expressing Impossibility. The semantic formulas are ranked in the same order in Japan: Making an Apology > Providing an Explanation for Refusal > Expressing Impossibility. There is a similarity between the analyses of the short-answer questions and the multiple-choice questions because Proposal for an Alternate Means is relatively frequently used in Korea as compared to Japan.
3)In interviews, frequently used semantic formulas include Making an Apology, Providing an Explanation for Refusal and Hesitation, whereas Asking for Understanding is the least frequently used in both countries. It is possible to deduce from this study that KK frequently makes use of the semantic formula of Calling One？s Attention and that KJ uses Expressing Impossibility and Making a Promise. In JJ and JK, frequently used semantic formulas include Making an Apology, Hesitation, Providing an Explanation for Refusal and Agreeing with the Other Party. Neither country has Expressing Gratitude as a frequently appeared semantic formula. JJ uses the semantic formula of Making a Promise whereas JK Expresses Impossibility and makes a Temporary Accommodation more frequently than the former.
Results regarding Behavioral Patterns Exhibited Before and After Expressing Impossibility:
1)In short-answer questions, Koreans exhibit patterns that can be formulated as: ([Hesitation] / [Calling One？s Attention]) / [Making an Apology] / [Providing an Explanation for Refusal] / ([Suggesting Preconditions]) / [Promise], [Suggesting an Alternate Means]. On the other hand, Japanese have patterns that can be formulated as: [Making an Apology] / [Providing an Explanation for Refusal] / [Expressing Impossibility] / [Suggesting Preconditions] / [Making a Promise].
2)In interviews, Hesitation / Providing an Explanation for Refusal before and Making a Promise after Expressing Impossibility are mainly used in KK-KJ. In contrast, Providing an Explanation for Refusal before and Making an Apology after Expressing Impossibility are distinctively observable patterns in JJ-JK.
Moreover, it is clear that both KK-KJ and JJ-JK Express Impossibility more frequently in contact situations than in situations under their native language. In situations that require using languages other than their native, it may be that people directly Express Impossibility in order to unequivocally convey their positions.
Results regarding Explanations for Refusals in Expressing Impossibility
1)In multiple-choice questions, Koreans refuse for reasons such as Making and Submitting Documents > Other Plans > Prior Engagements > Lack of English Skills > Family Situations. Japanese people name Prior Engagements > Part-Time Job > Making and Submitting Documents > Other Plans (in order of decreasing frequency). It is notable that Koreans cite a Lack of English Skills while Japanese people name Having a Part-Time Job for refusal reasons. When we re-categorized and simplified reasons for refusal, the reasons are ranked in order of decreasing frequency as Personal Reasons > Customary Reasons > Public Reasons in both countries.
2)In short answer questions, Koreans cite Customary Reasons > Personal Business concerning Job Application > Lack of Skills. Japanese cite customary reasons such as Prior Engagements> Public Reasons such as Part-Time Jobs or Medical Appointments > Personal Business concerning Job Application. When we re-categorized and simplified reasons for refusal, Koreans name Personal > Customary > Public, whereas Japanese people cite Customary > Personal > Public.
3)In interviews, the most frequently used Explanation for Refusal in KK is about school work, whereas the one most frequently cited reason for KJ, JJ, JK is the one concerning part-time job. It is notable that the Explanation for Refusal that never appears in KK？Working at a Part-Time Job？appears most frequently in KJ, JJ, and JK.
，韩语论文，韩语论文题目 |
