This study investigated refusal strategies used by Uzbek speakers. Refusals were examined in two ways: (1) by comparing refusals produced in English by L1 Uzbek and L1 English speakers, and (2) by comparing the refusals of the same Uzbek speakers in t...
This study investigated refusal strategies used by Uzbek speakers. Refusals were examined in two ways: (1) by comparing refusals produced in English by L1 Uzbek and L1 English speakers, and (2) by comparing the refusals of the same Uzbek speakers in their L1 Uzbek and L2 English. Data were collected through a written discourse completion task in contexts including offers, suggestions, invitations, and requests. Across all groups, giving excuses or reasons emerged as the most common strategy in English, suggesting a universal tendency to justify refusals politely. However, evidence of cross- linguistic pragmatic influence was observed. L1 English speakers tended to produce longer and more detailed explanations, while L1 Uzbek speakers used shorter reasons in English and used indirect strategies when responding in Uzbek. Other differences also reflected culturally shaped norms: English speakers frequently employed expressions of appreciation, whereas Uzbek speakers often used non-performative, indirect responses, and future promises. A comparison of L1 and L2 refusals by the same Uzbek speakers further highlighted pragmatic transfer effects. L1 refusals displayed higher frequencies of non-performative statements, indirectness, and promises of future acceptance, while in L2 English the same speakers increased their use of appreciation, reflecting partial adaptation to English-speaking norms. Overall, the findings illustrate how universal pragmatic patterns, culturally specific norms, and L1-based pragmatic transfer collectively shape L2 refusal behavior.