Refusals in Moroccan Arabic and American English

Abstract This cross-cultural comparative study examined how refusals of suggestions, requests, offers, and invitations are realized in Moroccan Arabic and American English. Thirty native speakers of each language responded to six situations in a discourse completion test. Data were analyzed using Beebe et al.’s (1990) coding scheme. The findings showed differences in frequency, type, and sequence of refusal strategies between the two languages. American English speakers used more refusal strategies and preferred varied strategies based on the social status of the interlocutor. Moroccan Arabic speakers employed different strategies depending on social status as well. There were also differences in the use of adjuncts such as appreciation, thanks, and positive opinion, feeling, or agreement. The study provides some pedagogical implications for EFL teachers, learners, and textbook designers.