Abstract
This study investigates similarities and differences in Malay and German refusal speech acts realised by their respective mother tongue languages, which are the Malay and German languages. This study analysed situations in which refusal could occur and examined the refusal strategies and corresponding linguistic forms used by the two groups when refusing requests made by higher, equal, and lower relationship status interlocutors. A Discourse Completion Test (DCT) was utilised to obtain data on the types and content of refusal strategies. The data gathered from the DCT was analysed and coded according to a combined taxonomy of refusal strategies proposed by Beebe et al. (1990) and Al-Issa (2003). The findings will provide future insights on the cross-cultural complexity of refusal interaction patterns used by both Malay and German speakers in order to understand and also avoid creating stereotypes of foreign culture. In addition, speakers may also adopt socially appropriate strategies for future situations that might be encountered in order to engender successful communication when dealing with refusals. The results are then discussed from the universality and cultural-specificity perspectives.
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to Grein (2007), successful communication can only be achieved when both parties grasp the meaning of each utterance
Language is the basis of all communication
The findings for the types and contents of refusal strategies made by the two groups, Malay Native Speakers (MNS) and German Native Speakers (GNS), are presented according to three main categories i.e. direct, indirect, and adjuncts to refusal strategies
Summary
According to Grein (2007), successful communication can only be achieved when both parties grasp the meaning of each utterance. Oftentimes, the meaning of an utterance, cannot be interpreted by merely understanding the spoken words or the sentence as a whole. In order to grasp the meaning of an utterance, the listener has to analyse the situation in which the utterance is being made, the social distance between the interlocutors, the prior utterances, nonverbal aspects, the cognitive skills of the interlocutors, and their cultural background. According to Olshtain and Blum-Kulka (1985), an empirical study on speech acts may provide a better understanding of how human communication is achieved through the use of linguistics behaviour. By conducting this empirical study, similarities and differences in interaction can be identified among different languages and cultures under similar situations. As a matter of fact, the realisation of a speech act is influenced by the social, cultural norms, and beliefs within the communities itself (Meier, 1995, 1997; Richard & Schmidt, 1983)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
