MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING QUY NHON UNIVERSITY BUI THI LE SUONG A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON APOLOGIZING IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE CONVERSATIONS Field: English Linguistics Code: 8220201 Supervisor: Truong Van Dinh, PhD Binh Dinh - 2023 BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC QUY NHƠN BÙI THỊ LỆ SƯƠNG NGHIÊN CỨU ĐỐI CHIẾU PHÁT NGÔN XIN LỖI TRONG HỘI THOẠI ANH - VIỆT Ngành: Ngôn ngữ Anh Mã số: 8220201 Người hướng dẫn: TS. Trương Văn Định Bình Định - 2023 i STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP I certify that this master thesis entitled “A Comparative Study on Apologizing in English and Vietnamese Conversations” is ultimately my own original work. To the best of my knowledge, this thesis has not been submitted for any purposes in any materials. Any works of other authors consulted in this thesis are listed in the reference.
Binh Dinh, 2023 BUI THI LE SUONG ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not have been accomplished in time without the massive contribution of all individuals involved. Firstly, I owe many thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Trương Văn Định, who devoted his time and effort to guiding and giving me invaluable support despite his vast workload and busy schedule. Without his enthusiasm and encouragement, I might not have finished my master’s thesis.
Secondly, I truly appreciate all the lecturers from Quy Nhon University (QNU), especially Assoc. Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền, and others, for their wholehearted contribution to sharpening my academic knowledge during the course. Thirdly, I would like to sincerely thank the Department of Postgraduate Training and the Department of Foreign Languages of QNU for the cooperation and support. Last but not least, I am immensely grateful to my husband, who has given me considerable support and motivation so that I could wholeheartedly concentrate on my thesis.
My honest thanks will be sent to my classmates and many others, who supported me while I was carrying out this thesis. Binh Dinh, 2023 iii ABSTRACT This thesis delves into a detailed cross-cultural examination, specifically targeting the nuances of apology strategies within English and Vietnamese contexts. With data comprising 50 diverse utterances from each linguistic backdrop, the research discerns both universal constants and culturally distinct nuances in the approach to apologizing. Notably, while English utterances tend to prefer direct apologies, Vietnamese counterparts often seek forgiveness, perhaps reflecting societal values of humility and indirectness.
The analysis also reveals distinct linguistic and cultural trends in the use of modality markers. Vietnamese dialogues exhibit a pronounced use of politeness markers, potentially influenced by societal values rooted in respect and possibly even Confucian philosophy. Yet, despite these variations, certain conversational strategies appear universally adopted across both languages, suggesting shared human conversational tendencies. The implications of this study span enhancing cross-cultural interactions and pedagogical advancements.
Firstly, the findings illuminate pathways to improved intercultural communication by promoting understanding, empathy, and reduced misunderstandings. In educational settings, the insights provide teachers and curriculum designers tools to amplify language instruction with cultural contexts, fostering appreciation and practical life skills for learners. However, a notable limitation is the data set's limited scope. Additionally, sourcing predominantly from cinematic dialogues might not always encapsulate the genuine subtleties of day-to-day conversations.
Future research includes expanding data sources, considering cultural roots influencing apology strategies, and widening the linguistic scope to include other languages, furthering the understanding of global conversational norms. This research, thus, serves as both a foundational study and a launchpad for more extensive explorations in the realm of cross-cultural communication. iv TABLES OF CONTENTS STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP. iii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.
viii LIST OF TABLES. ix LIST OF FIGURES. Aim and Objectives of the Study. Aim of the Study.
Objectives of the Study. Scope of the Study. Significance of the Study. Organization of the Study.
Definition of Speech Act. Classification of Speech Act. Definition of Politeness. Politeness - Directness - Indirectness in Apologizing.
Apology Strategies by Blum-Kulka and Olshtain. Apology Strategies by Fraser. Apology Strategies by Holmes. Cross-cultural Communication.
Definition of Communication. Politeness in Vietnamese Culture. Politeness in Anglo-American Culture. Theory of Modality.
Definition of Modality. Classification of Modality Markers in Conversations. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Apology Strategies in English and Vietnamese.
Apology Strategies in English. An Explicit Expression of Apology. Explanation or Account. Acknowledgment of Responsibility.
Promise of Forbearance. Apology Strategies in Vietnamese. An Explicit Expression of Apology. Explanation or Account.
Acknowledgment of Responsibility. Promise of Forbearance. Similarities and Differences in Apology Strategies in English and Vietnamese. An Explicit Expression of Apology.
Explanation or Account. Acknowledgment of Responsibility. Promise of Forbearance. Modality Markers in Apology Utterances in English and Vietnamese.
Modality Markers in Apology Utterances in English. Modality Markers in Apology Utterances in Vietnamese. Similarities and Differences in Modality Markers in English and Vietnamese. Enhanced Cross-Cultural Communication:.
Suggestions for Further Research .101 viii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS QNU Quy Nhon University EU English Utterance VU Vietnamese Utterance ix LIST OF TABLES Table Page Title number number Frequency and Distribution of Apology Strategies in Table 4. 59 English Frequency and Distribution of Apology Strategies in Table 4. 64 Vietnamese Frequency and Distribution of Apology Strategies in Table 4. 70 English and Vietnamese Utterances Frequency and Distribution of Modality Markers in Table 4.
75 English Frequency and Distribution of Modality Markers in Table 4. 80 Vietnamese Frequency and Distribution of Modality Markers in Table 4. 87 English and Vietnamese x LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page Title number number Figure 2. Chart of Strategies: Negative Politeness 22 1 CHAPTER ONE.
Rationale Effective communication is akin to an art form, where conversationalists are artists creating dialogic masterpieces. In all facets of life, adept communication skills are not just preferable but are prerequisites for building successful relationships and navigating cultural norms. Regardless of geographical or cultural contexts - be it Western societies or Vietnam, real-life interactions or filmic representations - the quality of communication can be a determinant for the success or failure of relationships. In a world that is replete with human imperfections, apology comes to the fore as a necessary tool in maintaining social harmony.
As highlighted by North-Holland (1987), when a person’s action, utterance, or lack thereof offends another and they are deemed accountable, an apology is warranted. This act of apologizing encompasses not just the words expressed but also the intent to rectify the wrong, to mend what has been fractured in the relationship. The nature and delivery of such apologies vary depending on the relationship’s intimacy and cultural contexts, demonstrating the nuances of this communicative act. In the contemporary digital age, marked by advanced 4.0 technologies, societal evolution is mirrored by growing demands for online entertainment.
As such, real-life conversations and societal norms are increasingly being documented and globalized to cater to this evolving need for virtual connectedness. The importance of apologies in English and Vietnamese dialogues has been acknowledged and extensively studied by many researchers worldwide. Yet, there remains a conspicuous gap in literature pertaining to the specific utterances of apologies in English-Vietnamese conversations. This is crucial to attain a comprehensive understanding of cross-cultural communication between English and Vietnamese speakers and to cultivate effective English teaching methodologies based on a communicative approach.
2 To bridge this knowledge gap, I have undertaken this cross-cultural study titled “A Comparative Study on Apologizing in English and Vietnamese Conversations” for my master's thesis. The aim of this research is to explore the cultural similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese apologizing practices, with a particular focus on filmic conversations. By contributing to our understanding of effective cross-cultural communication, it is my hope that this study will enhance the portrayal of real-life interactions in films and improve the teaching and learning methodologies of English. Aim and Objectives of the Study 1.
Aim of the Study The aim of the study is to investigate the similarities and differences in apologies in English and Vietnamese conversations in terms of apology strategies and modality markers. Objectives of the Study The following detailed objectives are set to ensure the implementation of the above aim: - To explore the apology strategies in English and Vietnamese conversations. - To identify the use of modality markers in apology utterances in English- Vietnamese conversations. - To find out the similarities and differences in the use of apology strategies and modality markers in English and Vietnamese conversations.
Research Questions In order to achieve the aim and objectives of the study, the following research questions will be applied: 1. What apology strategies are used in English and Vietnamese conversations? 2. What modality markers are used in apology utterances in English and Vietnamese conversations? 3. What are the similarities and differences in the use of apology strategies and modality markers in English and Vietnamese conversations? 3 1.
Scope of the Study This study concentrates solely on apology utterances in English and Vietnamese conversations based on the theoretical framework of Holmes (1990) and House and Kasper (2012) and will not include the following aspects: Firstly, it does not address paralinguistic and extralinguistic factors. Although these factors are crucial in communication, there is limited consensus among linguists regarding these issues. Secondly, this study does not differentiate between American English and British English. Both variations of English are treated with equal relevance.
Thirdly, owing to resource and time constraints, this research focuses on apology utterances in movies, utilizing multiple films in each category, rather than on response utterances. Finally, while acknowledging the significance of factors such as age, gender, social status, and the relationship between interlocutors - as they impact the politeness strategies employed by the speaker - these elements are outside the purview of this study due to limitations in time and research capacity. Significance of the Study Theoretically, first, this study underscores the significance of culture in verbal behaviors, contributing to the exploration of speech acts within the framework of pragmatics and linguistic politeness. Second, by applying the insights gained from both domestic and international language theories, this investigation of the strategies used in apologies will contribute to the preservation of the integrity of the Vietnamese language.
Practically, the findings of this study will highlight notable similarities and differences in apologies as depicted in English and Vietnamese films. Consequently, this research will greatly assist directors and producers of English and Vietnamese films, as well as viewers, by equipping them with a solid understanding of the apology utterances. This understanding will help to optimize communication effectiveness and mitigate culture shock in cross-cultural interactions. Organization of the Study 4 The study is divided into five chapters: Chapter 1, Introduction, presents the rationale, aim, objectives, scope of the study, significance, research questions, methods, and organization of the study.
Chapter 2, Literature Review, presents a theory of politeness and modality. This chapter also provides the theoretical background of negative politeness strategies, i. apology strategy in English and Vietnamese. Chapter 3, Methods and Procedures, presents the research methods of the study, data collection, and data analysis.
Chapter 4, Findings and Discussion, presents the results gained in the processing of the data and discusses the results of the data analysis. Chapter 5, Conclusion, summarizes the findings recorded during making this study, presents the constraints of the study, provides some suggestions for further study, and gives implications on teaching and learning. LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter provides a review of the thesis’s theoretical background. We begin with the leading academic theories on which this study is based.
Next, we provide a theoretical framework for the method of analysis conducted in the present study, including the theories of apology strategies and modality, which will be taken into consideration. Finally, a brief overview of previous studies related to the topic of this paper is presented. Definition of Speech Act Austin’s pioneering work “How to Do Things with Words”, first published in 1962, established the theory of speech acts and profoundly influenced the study of language use, pragmatics, and communication.