A usage of apology expression among the younger Japanese-natives

Abstract

This paper aims to demonstrate that a more detailed analysis of cultural characteristics will produce a clearer picture about an apologetic act of the target language and helps to understand the nature of a different communicative style. In this paper, similarities and differences about the use of apologetic expressions by Japanese male and female teenagers are examined based on situational variables and the acknowledgement of human relations. As a result, comparing to each other, Japanese male teenagers have a tendency to use various types of apologetic expressions, while Japanese female teenagers prefer to use polite apologetic expressions.The ultimate aim of this paper is to understand typical Japanese apologetic acts, with the prospect of applying the results to the Japanese language communication teaching and to the establishment of a useful method for intercultural communication.