上下·親疎関係から見た「受諾」と「断り」における表現類型の様相

Abstract

This article is an analysis and contemplation on how a human relationship affectsexpressions of ‘acceptance’ and ‘refusal’, based on a usage study of each expressionfrom scenario cases. When expressing an ‘acceptance’ in a vertical relationship, superiors majorly used‘conveyance of emotion and will’ or ‘declaration’ type expressions as a responseto subordinates or those in an equal rank. On the other hand, it is also confirmedthat subordinates majorly used ‘conveyance of knowledge and information’ typeexpressions. Moreover, large occurrence of mixed use of two expression types also establishesan assumption that they are trying to balance between direct and indirect expressions. Taking a look at the ‘acceptance’ cases in a horizontal relationship, if they arefamiliar enough, they presume ‘acceptance’ in advance than tend to use ‘knowledgeand information’ types to deliver information about actions that will follow after theacceptance. In contrast, if they are new to each other or not very familiar, they tendto use ‘emotion and will’ types to delivery clear message of ‘acceptance’. One distinctive characteristic of ‘acceptance’ between first-timers is that it wasoften expressed as an ‘Approval’. Another interesting discovery is that ‘refusal’responses have similar patterns regardless of degree of intimacy. For refusals areusually burdensome to anyone, they express it with extra caution even to someonein a close relationship. Further, I also plan to study more about the factors that can lead to a decisionon how to express ‘acceptance’ or ‘refusal’, such as ‘what is a main request?’ and‘Is the request reasonable?’.