"Let's enjoy together!" : Japanese Use of 'Let's' in English Invitations

抄録

The present study examines Japanese EFL learners' use of 'let's-imperatives' in their English invitations. The focus of the research is placed on the following three areas: 1) the characteristics of the linguistic forms used in the head act of making invitations; 2) the multiple functions of 'let's-imperatives' used by Japanese EFL learners; and 3) the influence of L1 rhetorical patterns on L2 writing. Analysis found that 'let's-imperatives' used by Japanese students in English invitations indicate not only invitations, but also announcements of the events and suggestions for parties. They also express the host's expectations, hopes, and requests for the guests' participation in parties. The inappropriate use of 'let's-imperatives' is considered to be attributed to linguistic as well as pragmatic transfer of Japanese expressions and sociocultural concepts into English.