are you deaf i’ve said “no, no, no”

38
1 Cem BALÇIKANLI Gazi University, Faculty of Education, English Language Teaching Department E-mail: [email protected] The 8th International Language, Literature and Stylistics Symposium İzmir University of Economics May, 2008 you deaf? I’ve said “No, No, No” you deaf? I’ve said “No, No, No”

Upload: cem-balcikanli

Post on 05-Dec-2014

1.566 views

Category:

Education


2 download

DESCRIPTION

A study on refusals!

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

1

Cem BALÇIKANLIGazi University, Faculty of Education, English Language Teaching Department E-mail: [email protected] 8th International Language, Literature and Stylistics Symposium İzmir University of EconomicsMay, 2008

Are you deaf? I’ve said “No, No, No”Are you deaf? I’ve said “No, No, No”

Page 2: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

2

The term ‘speech act ’ has been defined as a minimal unit of discourse by Searle (1969) and as a basic and a Functional unit of communication by Cohen (1996).

We perform speech acts when we offer an apology, greeting,request, complaint, invitation, compliment, or

refusalrefusal.

Page 3: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

3

In order to achieve approximate native-speaker levels of pragmatic competence, learners need to acquire the rules of politeness of the target culture and to

develop interaction skills, knowing who may or may not speak in certain settings, how they should talk to

people of different statuses and roles, what nonverbal behaviors are appropriate for them to use in various

contexts, what routines they should use for turn taking in conversation, and how to perform and comprehend speech acts such as requesting,

apologizing or REFUSING (Saville-Troike, 1996).

Page 4: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

4

REFUSALS can be a tricky speech act to perform linguistically

and psychologically since the possibility of offending the interlocutor is inherent in the

act itself (Kwon, 2004:340).

Page 5: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

5

At a summit meeting between President Nixon and the late Prime Minister Sato of Japan in 1969, Nixon asked Sato whether he would agree to

curtail Japan’s fabric exports to the United States in exchange for the return of Okinawa. Sato

answered, “Zensho shimasu”, which was literally translated into English as “I’ll take a proper step”,

but in Japanese is usually understood as a rejection. Nixon thought he had received a

commitment and was furious when Sato failed to take any effective action. But in fact, Sato did not feel that he had made any commitment, as this kind of statement in Japanese culture is a polite way of refusing (Beebe and Takahashi, 1990).

Page 6: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

6

Sample, Instrumentation, and procedures

Page 7: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

7

Aim

to investigate refusals of English learners in Turkey and in Czech Republic

Page 8: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

8

Sample forty-two Turkish learners in Turkey and thirty-five Czech learners in Czech Republic

Page 9: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

9

Instrument

DCTs are written questionnaires

including a number of brief situational descriptions, followed by a short dialog with an empty slot for the

speech act (Kasper and Dahl, 1991).

Page 10: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

10

! A big thank you to Czech and Turkishcolleagues and student teachers....

! “I’m sorry. I wish I could come to the party with you but I’ve lots of homework to do”.

* I’m sorry ............ Statement of regret* I wish I could..... Wish* But I ’ve a.......... Excuse

Data Collection & Analysis

Page 11: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

11

Ercetin, N. G. (1995). “Pragmatic transfer in the realization of apologies: The case of Turkish EFL learners”.Dogancay-Aktuna, S. and Kamıslı, S. (1997). “Pragmatic transfer in interlanguage development: A case study of advanced EFL learners”. Bulut, D. (2000) “A Cross-cultural study of refusals in American English and Turkish.”Karatepe, Ç. (2001) “Pragmalinguistic Awareness in EFL Teacher Training”. Demir, S. (2003). “Bidirectional pragmatic transfer: An investigation on refusal strategies of Turkish users of English”.Madak, M. (2004). “Gender differences in the use of requests by Turkish EFL learners”. Kal Ünal, F. (2004). “Requests in English and in Turkish in the language of Turkish student teachers: A comparative study”. Tekyıldız, Ö. (2006). “A comparative study on the use of refusals by Turkish learners of English and Native speakers of English in urban and rural areas”.

Page 12: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

12

Page 13: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

13

SITUATION 1: You are the owner of a bookstore. One of your best workers asks to speak to you in

private.Worker: As you know, I’ve been here just a little over a year now, and I know you’ve been pleased with my work. I really enjoy working here, but to be quite honest I really need an increase in pay YOU:...............................................................Worker: Well...then I guess I’ll have to look for another job.

Page 14: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

14

SITUATION 2:You are a junior in college. You attend classes regularly and take good notes. Your classmate often misses class and asks you for the lecture

notes. Classmate: Oh God! We have an exam tomorrow but I don’t have notes from last week. I am sorry to ask you this, but could you please lend me your notes once again? YOU: ..................................................................Classmate: Well, then. I guess I’ll have to ask someone else.

Page 15: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

15

SITUATION 12:

You are at the office in a meeting with your boss. It

is getting close to the end of the day and you want

to leave the office.

Boss: If it’s okay with you, I’d like to spend an

extra hour or two tonight so that we can finish up

with this work. Can you stay little longer at the

office?

YOU:...................................................................

Boss: Well, that’s too bad…I was hoping you

could stay.

Page 16: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

16

REFUSAL OF REQUEST

Situation 1: Refusing a lower status person’s request

Situation 2: Refusing an equal status person’s request

Situation 12: Refusing a higher status person’s request

Page 17: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

17

Page 18: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

18

Some refusals...TURKISH LEARNERS

S1: I pay you more than other bosses!S1: I have pleased with your work but that doesn’t mean “I will increase in your pay.

S2: I’m sorry, but I’m not a slavewho always have to attend the class all the time while you’re having fun.S2: If you had attended your lectures regularly, I would have given the notes, but I’m not a green or a jerk.

S12: It’s not possible because my mom is sick. I have to go homeS12: I wish I could but my husband’s waiting for me at home.

CZECH LEARNERS

S1: Unfortunately, we have no budget for this although I’m very satisfied with your work.S1: I’m sorry but I can’t afford it.

S2: Sorry man, I just left my notes at home by accident. S2: I’m sorry but do you think that I should? I regularly attend and you do not.

S12: I’m really sorry but my husband and I will celebrate our anniversary, and we have already booked a place in the French restaurant. S12: I’m so sorry, but my wife has prepared delicious food for me, so I can’t disappoint her. Sorry again.

Page 19: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

19

SITUATION 3:You are the president of a big printing company. A salesman from a printing machine company invites

you to one of the most expensive restaurants, Lutece, in New York.

Salesman: You have met several times now, and I’m hoping you will buy my company’s printing machine. Would you like to have dinner with me at Lutece to sign the contract?YOU: .......................................................................

.Salesman: Well…maybe we can meet another time.

Page 20: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

20

SITUATION 4:

You are an executive at a very large software

company. One day the boss calls you into his

office.

Boss: Next Sunday my wife and I are having a

little party at my house. I know it’s sudden.. but I’m

hoping all my executives will be there with their

views/husbands. Will you come to the party?

YOU: .....................................................................

Boss: Well, that’s too bad.. I was hoping everyone

would be there.

Page 21: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

21

SITUATION 10:

A friend invites you to dinner, but you

really don’t like this friend’s husband/wife.

Friend: How about coming to my house Sunday

night? We’re having a small dinner party.

YOU: .............................................................

Friend: Well…maybe next time.

Page 22: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

22

REFUSAL OF INVITATION

Situation 3: Refusing a lower status person’s invitation

Situation 4: Refusing a higher status person’s invitation

Situation 10: Refusing an equal status person’s invitation

Page 23: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

23

Page 24: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

24

Some refusals...TURKISH LEARNERS

S3: I’m afraid it is my daughter’s today and I believe that being a big businessman first of all requires to have a big heart for your family.S3: I’ll meet my lover at that time.

S4: Sorry, but my wife and I broke up.S4: I feel proud of myself since you’re so kind to invite me, but I’m afraid I can’t.

S10: Thank you, but I’ve promised my wife to go to her parents.S10: I don’t like parties.

CZECH LEARNERS

S3: I would like to have a dinner with you but, I have no time right now. Maybe later.S3: Sorry, I don’t have time for this.

S4: Sorry, I can’t come. My husband is in a hospital and I’ll have to take care of my children.S4: I’m sorry but, we are invited to my sister’s engagement.

S10: I’m sorry I can't. My husband is mentally ill, so we can’t visit any friends now. S10: I’m sorry but I’ve already been invited to another one.

Page 25: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

25

SITUATION 5:

You are at a friend’s house watching TV. Your

friend offers you a snack.

You: Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve been eating like a

pig and I feel just terrible. My clothes don’t even fit

me.

Friend: Hey, why don’t you try this new diet I’ve

been telling you about?

YOU:........................................................................

Friend: Well…you should try it anyway.

Page 26: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

26

SITUATION 6:Your boss just asked you to bring a report to him.

You can’t find the report on your desk because your desk is very disorganized. Your boss walks

over. Boss: You know, maybe you should try to organize yourself better. I always write things down a piece of paper so I don’t forget them. Why don’t you try it? YOU: (However, you don’t like the boss’suggestion) .........................................................Boss: Well…it was only an idea anyway.

Page 27: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

27

SITUATION 8:You teach English at a university. It is just about

the middle of the semester now. One of your students asks to speak to you.

Student: Ah, excuse me, some of the students were talking after class yesterday. We feel that

the class would be better if you could give us more practice in conversation and less on grammar.

YOU:.....................................................................Student: Well…it was only a suggestion.

Page 28: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

28

REFUSAL OF SUGGESTION

Situation 5: Refusing an equal status person’s suggestion

Situation 6: Refusing a higher status person’s suggestion

Situation 8: Refusing a lower status person’s suggestion

Page 29: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

29

Page 30: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

30

Some refusals...TURKISH LEARNERS

S5: Oh, thanks. But, you know I have an allergy about diets.S5: No, thank you. I don’t think I need a new diet.

S6: Thank you for your suggestion.S6: Sir, sorry, but it is not my style.

S8: Yes, it would be wonderful, but I’m sorry because I have no time, but If I have time, I can help you. S8: We don’t have enough time to do that. Maybe later.

CZECH LEARNERS

S5: You know, I don’t believe in diets.

S5: I have my own diet, thank you.

S6: That’s a good idea, but I have a

good memory. I should rather tidy

the mess on my desk.

S6: I have my own system about

how to organize my things. But thank

you for your advice.

S8: I’m teaching English grammar, not

the English conversation.

S8: If you feel so, we can discuss it,

but your grammar and practice is

balanced acoording to your needs.

Page 31: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

31

SITUATION 7:

You arrive home and notice that your cleaning lady

is extremely upset. She comes rushing up to you.

Cleaning lady: Oh God, I’m sorry! I had a terrible

accident. While I was cleaning, I bumped into the

table and your china vase fell and broke. I feel very

bad about it. I’ll pay for it.

YOU: (Knowing that the cleaning lady is

supporting three children) .......................................

Cleaning lady: No, I’d feel better if I paid for it.

Page 32: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

32

SITUATION 9:

You are at a friend’s house for lunch.

Friend: How about another piece of cake?

YOU:............................................................

Friend: Come on, just a little piece?

YOU: ............................................................

Page 33: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

33

SITUATION 11:You’ve been working in advertising company now for some time. The boss offers you an increase in salary and a better position, but you have to move to another town. You don’t want to go. Today, the

boss calls you into his office. Boss: I’d like to offer you an executive position in our new office in Hicktown. It’s a great town- only 3 hours from here by airplane.YOU: ..................................................................Boss: Well…maybe you should think about it some more before declining.

Page 34: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

34

REFUSAL OF OFFER

Situation 7: Refusing a lower status person

Situation 9: Refusing an equal status person

Situation 11: Refusing a higher status person

Page 35: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

35

Page 36: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

36

Some refusals...TURKISH LEARNERS

S7: No, no, no, Don’t feel bad. It’s not important. Forget it.S7: It is not important. In fact, I didn’t like it very much.

S9: Thank you very much, it look wonderful but I’m on a diet ok, but just a little piece. S9: No, thanks. Are you deaf? I’ve said “no, no, no, no”

S11: You make me happy with you offering but I’m sorry. S11: Sir, to be honest. I don’t want to go another town. I think I’ll be more efficient if I continue to work this company.

CZECH LEARNERS

S7: No, you don’t have to pay for it.You do a good job in here. Such things happen.

S7: Oh, it’s OK. I didn’t really like

it all.

S9: Not really, I feel like a pig.

S9: No, thank you. I said NO!

S11: My mother-in-law would kill

me if I moved somewhere else.

S11: No, I don’t want to move.

Does it sound clear to you?

Page 37: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

37

Concluding remarks Unless learners pay conscious attention to the relevant social factors in a particular context, they are likely to

lapse automatically into the norms of their native language and culture and may thereby cause

unintended offense’.

With sensitivity and awareness of sociolinguistic rules involved in the target

language, Korean learners of English may avoid the occurrences of cross-cultural miscommunication as a

result of inappropriate refusals (Holmes and Brown,1987: 535).

.

Page 38: Are You Deaf I’Ve Said “No, No, No”

38