Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 14. Number 1 March 2023 Pp.428- 448
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no1.27
Speech Acts of Apology and Request by Arab Postgraduates with Malaysian Supervisors
Mohammed Abulqasem Mohammed Elasfar
Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
University Technology Malaysia
&
Sebha University, Libya
Corresponding Author: mohammed-1975@graduate.utm.my
Hema Roshney binti Mustafa
Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
University of Technology, Malaysia
Mustafa Mubarak Pathan
English Language Center, Dayanand College of Law, Latur, Maharashtra, India
Aliakbar Imani
Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
University of Technology, Malaysia,
Received:05/22/22022 Accepted:03/03/2023 Published: 03/24/2023
Abstract:
This study investigates the pragmatic and linguistic competencies of Arab postgraduate students and native English-speaking postgraduate students in Malaysian universities, focusing on their speech act strategies for requests and apologies. Using qualitative methods such as Discourse Completion Tests and conversations, the study addresses three research questions related to pragmatic and linguistic forms, gender differences, and cultural norms in English-speaking settings. The participants consisted of 95 individuals, including an equal number of males and females from four universities in Malaysia during the academic year 2022-2023. Of the participants, 32 were of Arab origin, and 63 were native English speakers. The study found significant differences in response rates between the two groups and emphasized the importance of understanding cultural norms for effective communication. The findings suggest that learners from Arab countries must comprehend the differences between cultural norms and conventions in English-speaking environments to communicate efficiently. The study has implications for assisting Arab-speaking graduate students in improving their communication abilities and promoting cross-cultural understanding in academic settings in Malaysia.
Keywords: Apology, Arab Postgraduate Students, Malaysian Universities, Pragmatics, Request, Speech Act, Supervisors.
Cite as: Elasfar, M. A. M., Mustafa, H. R., Pathan, M. M., & Imani, A. (2023). Speech Acts of Apology and Request by Arab Postgraduates with Malaysian Supervisors. Arab World English Journal, 14 (1): 428- 448.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no1.27
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