2023 Volume 26 Issue 1 Pages 213-227
Many studies have been conducted on compliment behavior from various perspectives. However, there is no research investigating the response of the speaker after an initial compliment has been rejected. In this study, I analyzed spontaneous compliment discourse using the methodology of conversation analysis and found that after an initial compliment was rejected, the speaker did not simply re-compliment, but rather used strategies such as “confirmation of compliment target” or “addition of compliment evidence.” Furthermore, this study utilized the concept of “face” to clarify what kind of action the speaker is trying to accomplish via such a response. The results revealed that when the compliment was rejected, the speaker’s response was related to the “face” of both the speaker and the recipient, and the dilemma may arise as to whether to continue with the compliment or not. In such situations, the speaker was seen to cope with the dilemma by using one of the two strategies, that is, “confirmation of compliment target” or “addition of compliment evidence,” showing consideration of the “face” of both the speaker and the recipient.
