How do Saudis ask for a favor? A Pragmatic Analysis

Abstract

This study focused on the speech act of asking for a favor in Saudi Arabic due to the lack of studies done on Saudi Arabic in general and favor asking in specific. The core strategy and modification strategies used in each response were investigated. It also examined whether degree of imposition has an influence on the shape of the act. Data were collected using a written discourse completion test (DCT) in which 90 female native speakers of Saudi Arabic were asked to request a favor in 8 situations that varied in the degree of imposition. It was found that both core strategy and modification use in favor asking in Saudi Arabic were significantly influenced by degree of imposition. It is hoped that this study would help to understand some aspects of the spoken language in Saudi society.