earticle

영어

The aim of this study is to investigate the complimenting behaviors of Korean and American speakers. This study is to discover sociocultural norms of English and Korean language reflected in the speech acts of compliments and compliment responses. Written interviews and DCTs are conducted to elicit data for Korean and American speakers’ compliments and compliment responses. The results show that both Korean and American speakers compliment on the appearance and ability of the interlocutors. Interestingly, although 22% of Korean speakers showed compliments on the interlocutor’s character, no American speakers did. Also, according to the results, Korean speakers have a tendency to hesitate to accept interlocutors’ compliments and to give negative responses. Although Korean speakers have good intention, Korean speakers’ negative responses to Americans’ compliments can make the American interlocutors feel awkward. Therefore, EFL teachers need to develop various teaching materials for the speech act of complimenting and furthermore increase learners’ pragmatic competence.