Responses to compliments in online English chat: a comparison between Iranian EFL learners and native English speakers

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe main objective of the study is to uncover responding patterns to compliments among Iranian learners of English (EFL learners) and native English speakers observed through online video chats on Skype. This study’s participants were 40 Iranian EFL learners and 40 English speakers. The findings revealed that the compliment responses (CRs) of EFL learners were similar to those of English speakers with regard to global strategies (both accepted the compliments largely). However, it was revealed that EFL learners’ CRs were to some degree under the influence of Iranian cultural values such as sha’n (dignity), shekasteh-nafsi (modesty), tarof (insincere offer), and adab-va-ehteram (courtesy and respect). These cultural values act as a moderator variable that Persianised the English responses that EFL learners provided. The findings revealed that the responding patterns of participants do not change when the medium of communication (e.g. face-to-face vs. online interactions) changes. This study also shows that for those who speak English as a foreign language, pragmatic competence may be greatly regulated by L1 conventions, the ramification of which is cross-cultural miscommunication and pragmatic failure manifested in L2. This study contributes to learning and teaching pragmatics in the EFL context.