Exercise 2: Observing Thanks in Japanese - 1

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Let’s review the contextual factors in the two scenarios.

Scenario 1Scenario 2

Age differencebetween the two speakers:equalyou are much younger

Role/status differencebetween the two:equalyou are of lower status

Closeness or distancebetween the two:close in both scenarios (maybe closer in Scenario 1)

Magnitude of your request/thanks:somewhat similar in both scenarios (maybe greater in 2)

u Notice the clear difference in the language used when talking to an equal-status/age friend (Scenario 1) and when speaking to someone who is older or of higher status (Scenario 2).

arigatou+gomen–- for equal status

arigatougozaimasu(Note the politeness marker,keigo–-desu/masustyle) (or possiblymoushiwakenai)–- for higher status

u The language of thanks (just like other aspects of Japanese) is often more influenced by age and status than the magnitude of the thanks/indebtedness.So, the key strategy isusing appropriate thanking expressions according to the interlocutor and thesituation(Kim, 1994).

u Noticehow many times expressions of apology and thanks are usedin the dialogues.The number may generally be higher in Japanese than in English.In interacting with other Japanese speakers, listen to them carefully and observe their use ofthanking strategies. Make your own hypotheses regarding appropriate use in Japanese and be willing to renew them as necessary.

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