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Final Project

How Do Pakistani and British English Speakers Apologize?

Maira Suhail Butt, Sehar Jabeer, and Hura Kaleem

Department of Applied Linguistics, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore

English as an International Language

Miss. Sabeen Qureshi

December 08, 2022

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Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the strategies that Saraiki and Pashto ESL learners

adopted during the accomplishment of the speech act of apology. Moreover, such strategies are

developed and executed in different manners which truly reflect the influence of the mother

tongue and culture on ESL learning. It also highlights the intercultural disposition of second

language learners displaying the influence of socio-pragmatic norms on their mother tongue in

their production and comprehension in the target language. In English language learning speech

acts of apology are very important. Pakistani English learners are lacking in knowledge of

sociolinguistics rules of English speaking. Successful communication is only possible when

English will be learned as English as foreign language (EFL) learners have pragmatic

competence which exhibits the ability to use language forms suitable to socio-cultural context.

There is no statistically significant difference in the use of apology strategies between male and

female respondents.
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Introduction

Speech acts can be found in all languages across the world. They are universal and often

regarded as the core in all the languages (Trosborg, 2010). Moreover, the accomplishment of all

speech acts, particularly the accomplishment of apologies varies across languages and cultures as

they are cultural and context. Every speech act is accomplished differently across different

cultures which also stands true for apologizing and the possibility of the transfer of L1

pragmatics (Saleem, Azam & Saleem, 2014) to the target language has strong probability.

Apologies are the true indicators of either regretting a committed offense or the doer of an action

being well aware of the fact that a certain offense has occurred in the due course of the act which

is not appropriate.

Seeking apology means that the person who committed needs to offended and admit the

fact that violation of linguistic forms and social norms are violated and the act of apology is

involved in this cause (Sadeghi, 2013). Likewise, apology strategies (Gowasa, Radiana & Afifah,

2019) also embody in general the loss of face at the speaker’s end, but also extend support at the

hearer’s end. the apology strategies used were apology and regret, explanation, the offer of

repair, equal–equal, low-high, and liability.

Literature Review

In recent times, there have been several research studies undertaken on the apologetic

response speech act. Earlier, only a few research about ARs existed which had largely been

accomplished owing to the analysis relevant to the usage of apologies and not because of the

main focus on research. They claim that ARs can serve a key function in repairing and

maintaining societal harmony that is achieved through the act of apology. In other terms, the
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achievement of such a purpose will be primarily influenced by the types of replies from the

addressee or the injured person. In the subject of applied linguistics, pragmatic competence has

been defined and explored by various scientists. However, most of these attempts to describe

pragmatic competence reflect more or less the same notions.

Pragmatics is the study of how people perceive and generate a communication act or

speech act in a concrete discussion context, which is usually a conversation. It identifies two

intents or meanings in each statement or communicative act of verbal communication. One is the

intention to inform or the meaning of the statement, and the other is the intention to

communicate or the meaning of the speaker.

Research on ARs has frequently been incorporated into studies taking into account

various viewpoints, such as that of psychology and religious belief, in addition to linguistic,

sociolinguistic, and pragmatic components.

The ability to recognize and produce a communication act is known as pragmatic

competence, which frequently incorporates one's awareness of the social distance and status

between the speakers involved, as well as explicit and implicit linguistic knowledge and cultural

information such as courtesy. It has usually been recognized that two key ideas, speaker

identification, and circumstance sensitivity, are the origins of linguistic variation. The way we

behave politely is also determined by our identity, which is formulated by who we are and how

we define the concept of identity. The second kind of variation is based on the circumstance in

which we found ourselves. Through the concept of register or stylistic variation, which

is also the subject of the current study, the study of politeness variation is approached.

Discourse differences that are influenced by cultural differences can result in

misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. In these circumstances, inadequate

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pragmatics competency (insufficient knowledge of ARs) when studying abroad can be a cause of

confusion and misunderstanding among speakers if they do not comprehend one other's

illocutionary purpose, particularly when a huge number of Pakistanis take the IELTS and

TOEFL examinations every year to acquire admission to overseas English-speaking and non-

English-speaking colleges. Additionally, English-speaking Pakistanis must exhibit sufficient

pragmatic competence while communicating with multinational organizations online,

particularly on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Apology Responses, or ARs, must therefore rank among the investigations' top priorities.

In another sense, linguistic competence includes the ability to understand and create

socially acceptable language functions in dialogue in addition to linguistic or grammatical

understanding. Studies have shown that to gain functional competency and be able to

communicate effectively and use the target language appropriately in a variety of circumstances,

L2 learners must be properly cultivated with the pragmatic rules of the target language.

Researchers in the field have recently given the development and accuracy of the pragmatic

competence of EFL/ESL learners major consideration. Interlanguage pragmatics (ILP) and

pragmatic transfer studies have demonstrated how non-native speakers' interpretation of a given

speech act differs from native speakers due to the influence of their native language, leading to

misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. This study examines how Pakistani EFL

university students employ English apologetic tactics.

Research Question

How do Pakistan and British English speakers apologize?

A large portion of British English speakers frequently employs ARS with rather powerful

hearer-oriented methods (Acceptance). On the other hand, it appears that speaker-oriented tactics
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and the frequent use of acknowledgment are dominant in Pakistani English ARs. Similarly, to

this, British English speakers utilize more indirect (Evasion) tactics than English speakers from

Pakistan. These findings demonstrate that Pakistanis who speak English are remarkably more

forthright and honest in their expressions of regret than British English speakers. Pakistani

English speakers are more polite when it comes to apologizing however British English speakers

do not bother with anything. The heavy use of politeness techniques, shortness (brevity of

expression), and attention are all traits of Pakistani English language speakers. However, the

speech of British English speakers is more formal and socially dominant.

Speech acts of apologies are crucial for learning the English language, and they ought to

be covered in English language instruction materials to support students' development of

pragmatic competence. Pakistani English language students are not familiar with the

sociolinguistic conventions of English. When English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners

have pragmatic competence, which shows the ability to use language forms suitable to the socio-

cultural context, communication can be successful.

Research Methodology

This study which is data oriented is conducted to research the apology responses of

English through Pakistani and British speakers in common interactive situations. For collecting

the data, a Google form was circulated among Pakistani students. The Google form contained 9

situations and a few common responses. The responses which were selected by most of the

students have been picked and mentioned in the table. As far as the British speakers are

concerned, their responses have been recorded through Google form which was circulated in my

friend’s classroom who studies abroad. The questionnaire comprised illustrated circumstances
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generated to obtain a specific form of speech act from our targeted respondents. The respondents

(students) were requested to carefully go through the situations, and then they were asked to

imagine themselves in these situations and then select the response that was closest to their

answer. It is to be mentioned that the purpose of our study remained on finding out and analyzing

pragmatic competence. However, the procedure can allow the researchers to find out the effects

of various social factors on apologizing. 

The target population of our study was 35 Pakistani English speakers who have been

studying in private schools, colleges, and universities. The only thing we kept in mind while

selecting the participants was they should be fluent enough in English to make a point in this

language without having to think much. The second thing that we focused on while selecting the

participants was that they should be part of an environment where official written work is carried

out in English. 

Results

Situation Situation Native English Speaker’s Pakistani’s Way of

Number Way of Apologizing Apologizing

1 Spilled tea over Oops! I dropped tea on OMG! I’m so sorry. Let me

someone  your shirt. (80%) wash it for you. (75%)

2 Couldn’t make it I take full responsibility for I’m so sorry- there was so

on time being late, will be careful much traffic on my way.

next time. (75%) (80%)

3 Couldn’t attend the I was busy when you I sincerely apologize for
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call  called. So sorry. (80%) missing your call. (75%) 

4 Forgot to bring I was busy with so many I’m terribly sorry. How could

keys of the house  things, and forgot to bring I forget to keep keys in my

the keys. (85%) bag? Let me search for them

again. (75%)

5 Didn’t show up at a I so wanted to come, but I'm so sorry that I didn't show

friend’s get- something urgent came up up to your get-together after I

together  and I had to go there. I said I would. I know how

swear, I’ll make it up to important that was to you.

you. (75%) (70%)

6 You disturbed Sorry to bother you, but Hey? I hope I am not

someone to ask could you please help me interrupting anything? Can I

something find the medical book rack? take your 1 minute? (75%)

(85%)

7 Misbehaved with Hey, I think I was rude to I'm sorry for my behavior, I

your friend  you. You don’t deserve am a terrible friend and have

that. I’m sorry. (75%) been mean to you since a long

time now. Please forgive me.

Please. (70%)

8 Stepped on Oh, sorry. (85%) I’m extremely sorry, I

someone’s foot shouldn't have stepped on

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unintentionally  your shoe. It was my mistake.

(75%)

9 When someone So sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. I

close to your friend (80%) don't have the right words to

died  say right now, and I’m sorry

that you have to go through

this. (85%)

Findings and Discussions

If we do the overall analysis, it becomes apparent that the Pakistanis are generally more

apologetic. They are more polite in their language when they do something wrong. 

Here is a comparative difference between the two speakers in the 9 situations mentioned

above.

Situation 1: Spilled Tea Over Someone 

As shown in the table, if the British speaker does something like spilling tea over someone,

he or she would not be that apologetic. He would simply realize his mistake and would say

something like “Oh” at the very least. However, the Pakistani English speaker would be way

more apologizing and would go out of his way to correct the mistake. It is also common for

Pakistani English speakers in such situations to hold the shirt and even start cleaning it with

bare hands. However, the British people would never do that and would simply be sorry for

spilling the tea. 

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Pakistani English Speaker’s Response to Situation 1

Situation 2: Couldn’t Make It on Time

The Pakistani English speakers though may not always be on time, but they apologize

with all their heart when they are late. They may even pass an apology smile when saying the

words mentioned above. They are extremely polite when it comes to something like this.

Majority of the Pakistani English speakers may even keep repeating the word sorry in informal

settings. 

However, the British speakers would straight away mention the reason for being late

instead of wasting their time apologizing. This doesn't in any way show that they are not careful

enough but shows that they don't emphasize that much in their speech. 
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Pakistani English Speaker’s Response to Situation 2

Situation 3: Couldn’t Make It on Time

The Pakistani speakers prefer to apologize for way more than the British speakers. If

something happens, they will start their sentence by apologizing while the British speakers will

state the reason calmly and then apologize. 

Pakistani English Speaker’s Response to Situation 3

Situation 4: Forgot to Bring Keys of the House 

It is apparent that if something worth apologizing for happens to a Pakistani speaker, he

reaches a point linguistically where he will start taking a blame on himself whereas the British

speaker will prefer to state the reason that led to him forgetting the keys rather than apologizing

time and again. 

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Pakistani English Speaker’s Response to Situation 4

Situation 5: Didn’t Show Up at a Friend’s Get-together 

Language has so much to do with culture. In Pakistani, it is considered a shame to not go

to a place to which you were invited, people seriously mind it no matter where you were busy.

Therefore, if a Pakistani English speaker missed a friend’s get-together, he will be more

apologizing. Whereas in other cultures, missing a friend’s get-together may not be that big of an

issue so they don’t panic while apologizing for a missed event. 

Pakistani English Speaker’s Response to Situation 5

Situation 6: You Disturbed Someone to Ask Something

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In Pakistan, people don’t straight bother someone to ask for something. They first try to

divert the person’s attention towards themselves and then apologize for doing so. After that, they

start their question. Whereas the British speakers straight away say sorry and ask the question in

the same sentence. 

Situations 7, 8, and 9: Misbehaved with Your Friend  

When a Pakistani English speaker misbehaves, he or she will use the positive politeness

strategy where he or she will apologize as it is meant to be. While the British speaker may use a

negative politeness strategy. Same goes for other similar situations mentioned above. 

Conclusion

This study looked at the ways that English speakers from Pakistan and the United

Kingdom used apologies and how those uses varied across the respondents. The respondents'

cultural and linguistic homogeneity may be one of the primaries causes. English-speaking

Pakistanis and British English speakers who have achieved Acceptance ARs in identical ways

have a clear preference for the employment of standard apologetic response terms (Absolution).

Both Pakistani and British cultures use verbalized remedies and acceptance of promises to

restore harmony. In the case of Pakistan, it is demonstrated that accepting remedies and promises

is religiously required rather than rejecting them and harboring ill will. Accepting cures also

revealed a less self-private side of Pakistani society, which was reflected in the genuine

acceptance of medicine and promise. Apology responses help the addressee regain social

stability, and save the interlocutor's face. Responses to an apology that aim to mend a

relationship can include a combination of absolution, rejection, gratitude, advice/suggesting

acceptable cures, and so on. The overuse of apology response techniques and the subsequent rise

in satisfaction are options in a speaker's arsenal for delegitimizing the perpetrator.

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Questionnaire

How will you respond to the following situations?

1. You have broken someone’s favorite mirror:

2. Spilled tea over someone.

3. Did not commit on time.

4. Forget to bring the keys to the house.

5. Stepped onto someone’s foot by mistake.

6. Misbehaved with your friend

7. Did not make it to your best friend’s wedding 

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References

 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23311983.2021.1996917?cookieSet=1

 https://mjltm.org/browse.php?a_id=157&sid=1&slc_lang

 https://pssr.org.pk/issues/v5/1/realization-of-apologies-an-intercultural-study-of-

pashto-and-saraiki-speaking-undergraduate-esl-learners-in-pakistan.pdf
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