Exercise 9: Simulation Exercises for Making a Refusal

Refusals in Sample Dialogue 1

Strategies used

Response 1. You refuse his request by telling him you have an exam tomorrow.

私明日生物のテストがあるから、ちょっと今日は無理。Watashiashitaseibutsunotesutogaarukara,chottokyouwamuri.‘An English paper.Well, I have a biology exam tomorrow, too.I don’t think I can do it today.’

Ø Making a (mitigated) direct refusal

Ø Giving a reason

Ø Using an appropriate level of politeness

Response 2. You apologize and refuse again.

私も生物の試験、大変だからね、もうちょっと今日は絶対だめ。Uun,watashimoseibutsunoshaken,taihendakarane,mouchottokyouwazettaidame.‘Well, my biology exam is a tough one, too.I definitely can’t do it today.’

うん、ごめんね。Un,gomenne.‘No.I’m sorry.(Sample Dialogue 2)

Ø Giving a reason

Ø Making a (mitigated) direct refusal

Ø Apologizing

Ø Speaking hesitantly (e.g., hedging)

Response 3. You give an alternative or two to help him.

私の友達の京子ちゃん、すっごい英語上手だから、あの子に聞いてみたらいいよ。WatashinotomodachinoKyouko-chan,suggoieigojouzudakara,anokonikiitemitaraiiyo.Zettaiyattekurerutte.‘No.I’m sorry.Oh, a friend of mine, Kyoko.She is so good at English.Why don’t you ask her?’

Ø Giving an alternative