A Study on Japanese and Sundanese Apology Expressions: Its' functions in non-apology context

摘要

This study analyzed the meaning and functions of apology expressions in Japanese and Sundanese in non-apology context, their use based on socio-situational factors, and their degree of politeness. The data were collected from various sources such as comics, magazines, internet and other printed literature in both languages. Collected data then accumulated and classified based on the form of expressions, pragmatic function in non-apology context, and their degree of politeness. The findings showed that there are similarities and differences in the form and function of apology expressions in Japanese and Sundanese in non-apology context. The findings indicated that ten variation of apology expressions found in Japanese while in Sundanese only found three forms of apology expressions. Pragmatic functions in non-apology context also have more variation in Japanese compared to Sundanese. However, apology expressions in both languages have the same degree of politeness which are 'Respectful', 'Moderate', and 'Disrespectful'. Furthermore, the results also showed that based on the socio-situational factors, the use of apology expressions in both languages have similarity and differences depends on three socio-situational factors which are 'Familiarity', 'Social status', and 'Age'.