A Comparison between Japanese and Arabic apology mentality − Identifying Apology-Related Attitudes Valued by Speakers of Both Languages and Considering Their Factors-

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東海大学 - Tokai University 文学研究科日本文学専攻 日本語教育学コース 博士課程

Abstract

　This study clarified differences in mentalities around apologies between native Japanese speakers and native Arabic speakers. It then considered factors that made such apology-related attitudes important to the speakers of each language who were surveyed. We collected and analyzed Google questionnaires administered to 115 native speakers of both languages. The questionnaires investigated the following senses involved in apologies in three contexts that took into account “superior–inferior relationships,” “degree of familiarity,” and “degree of burden.” The senses related to apologies were “apology,” “guilt,” “nuisance,” “explanation,” “compensation,” and “tolerance.”
　Results of the survey confirmed that Japanese native speakers tend to place importance on “apology” and “guilt” while Arabic native speakers tend to emphasize “explanation” and “tolerance.” It was inferred that the effect of Islam and Arabic social customs was a factor for native Arabic speakers to “explain” and “tolerate.” It was then concluded that native Japanese speakers inherited the tendency to “apologize” and experience “guilt” from values belonging to samurai culture and that they have been unconsciously applying these values to this day.

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