A comparison of refusals between Chinese speakers in Taiwan and Malaysia

抄録

This study explored regional variations in the refusal speech act between Malaysian Chinese and Taiwan Chinese. The results showed that more similarities were found than differences between the two groups. Overall, Taiwan Chinese employed a higher rate of refusal strategies than did Malaysian Chinese. Both groups employed more indirect refusal strategies to higher-status listeners, whereas direct refusal strategies were used more frequently in refusing listeners of equal-status, indicating that both groups were sensitive to the social status of their interlocutors. With respect to individual strategies used, giving a reason and a statement of regret were the first two preferred strategies, followed by a direct refusal strategy and the suggestion of an alternative, across situations and groups. Moreover, that the great majority of the participants addressed a person of higher-status with an honorific title indicated that they conformed to the maxim-of-address of Chinese social norms. Finally, the pedagogical implication of these findings has implications for the field of teaching Chinese as a second language.