日本語母語話者はどのように断るか ― アンケート結果の親疎関係と状況に焦点を当てて ―

Abstract

This article surveyed native Japanese speakers (university students) on how they decline dinner invitations and analyzed their responses, focusing on relationship intimacy levels and refusal situations. Three main aspects were examined: 1) the use of the phrase “Chotto...” as an ambiguous refusal expression without providing reasons or conclusions, 2) whether reasons are provided when declining, and 3) differences in refusal strategies based on relationship dynamics and situations. Primarily, the phrase “Chotto...” was revealed that individuals sometimes used it to decline invitations when they were not previously committed and simply did not wish to attend, particularly when they were not close. Subsequently, upon analyzing whether individuals provided reasons for their refusals, it was observed that a high percentage of respondents cited reasons regardless of the situation or relationship closeness. Previous research and the findings of this study indicate that providing reasons for refusal is viewed favorably by both native Japanese speakers and learners. Furthermore, when individuals declined without stating a reason, there was a high prevalence of apologizing, irrespective of relationship dynamics or situational context, which is considered a stereotypical response to refusal. Lastly, an analysis was conducted to determine if the method of refusal varied depending on relationship dynamics and situations. Results confirmed differences in refusal strategies, particularly when declining invitations from close friends. Based on the aforementioned findings, when teaching Korean students learning Japanese the refusal expression “Chotto...”, it is imperative to develop a nuanced teaching approach rather than addressing it superficially.