携帯メールにおける断り表現

Abstract

This study classifies the refusal expressions in text messages and compares the difference between native Japanese speakers and Korean Japanese learners. The classifying in patterns are analyzed by the presentation of the refusal expressions both in Japanese and Korean through a part of the semantic formulas. As the patterns are applied into the semantic formulas, the nine different types have been found as below. 1. Reason + apology + presentation of an alternative plan 2. Reason + apology 3. apology + reason 4. Reason + presentation of an alternative plan 5. Blame + reason 6. Request of an alternative plan 7. Reason 8. Reason + Direct 9. No response Among the five foundational components such as reason, apology, presentation of an alternative plan, request of an alternative plan and no response, reason appeared most frequently and it was 14 times. The expressions of no response, request of an alternative plan, apology and presentation of an alternative plan have been also found. Presentation of an alternative plan appeared in order to recover the human relationship, which could be spoilt by the refusal. Request of an alternative plan is for clearly expressing one’s will, which requests the other to present an alternative plan. All the data of the text messages were translated into Japanese and analyzed. The Japanese tend to show their consideration for others in words like presenting aspect or explanation. On the other hand, Koreans tend to use intentionally strong expressions like ordering people to do something. It can be analyzed that the intension is affected by the refusal verbal behavior. Particularly, for Korean’s expressing clear intensions like ordering suggests a tendency of the direct speech production.In conclusion, the result can be utilized for Korean Japanese learners to adopt more natural Japanese expressions.