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International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
42
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni
Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-Female Interactions
Bushra Hussein Sari
Sana’a University, Faculty of Languages, Yemen
b.sari2024@gmail.com
Yahya Mohammed Al-Marrani
Sana’a University, Faculty of Education and Applied Sciences Arhab, Yemen
almarrani99@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/ 10.36892/ijlls.v6i3.1734
APA Citation: Sari, B. H.& Al-Marrani, Y. M. (2024). Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by
Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-Female Interactions. International Journal of Language and
Literary Studies. 6(3).42-63. http://doi.org/10.36892/ijlls.v6i3.1734
1. INTRODUCTION
Language, according to Cui (2012) and Al-Ghamdi, Almansoob and Alrefaee (2019), is an
expression of human feelings and activities that are related to cultural, social, personal and
religious affiliations. Language also plays an important role in human life because it is an
effective way to clarify human wants, ideas, feelings and thoughts to other people. Therefore,
people realize the importance of language for them to be involved in communication.
According to Al-Marrani (2023) states that Yemen is one of the countries which has a unique
culture. One thing that makes the culture unique is the way of communication. To attain
successful communication, one has to grasp how to produce utterances appropriately in
different situations. Yoosefvand and Rasekh (2014) state that a speech act is a fundamental
feature of pragmatics, so when people use a suitable speech act in communication, they can
build and strengthen the bonds of a relationship. Therefore, when people deal with each other
in face-to-face communication, several types of speech acts occur such as gratitude
expressions, requests, apologies, and compliments. One of the speech acts that have unique
aspects to be investigated is expressing gratitude because it is one of the common acts that exert
in our daily lives when people offer us kindness, a favour, a service or an invitation. Thanking
according to Cheng (2005), and Yoosefvand and Rasek (2014), is realized when the speaker
expresses gratitude for the hearer’s participation in a previous action that was beneficial to the
speaker. Hassan (2019) mentions that thanking is the feeling of gratefulness directed towards
Abstract
This study aims to identify the types of English expressions of gratitude that are
employed by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-Female interactions. The
participants of the study consisted of 230 students (115 males and 115 females) from
Sana’a University. The data of the study were collected by using a Discourse
Completion Test (DCT) questionnaire. The results of the study showed that the
participants employed different types of English expressions of gratitude in different
gratitude situations, but "bald thanking or using the word "thank" was the most
frequently used strategy by Yemeni male speakers in male-male and male-female
interactions. The results also indicated that there were similarities and few differences
in terms of the frequencies, percentages and the type of strategies used by the
participants in all situations.
Received:
01/06/2024
Accepted:
22/07/2024
Keywords:
speech act -
speech act of
gratitude-
gratitude
expressions
strategies - gender
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
Volume
6, Issue 3, 2024
Homepage : http://ijlls.org/index.php/ijlls
Volume 6, Issue 3, 2024
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
43
others and it is also one of the effective ways that maintain harmony and social rapport among
society members to overcome life difficulties. Yusefi, Gowhary, Azizifar, and Esmaeili (2015)
indicate that thanking is one of the most common language expressions which strengthens the
bonds between the members of society.
The current study, in general, is useful to EFL learners. In particular, it gives them the
opportunity to realize which strategy of English expressions of gratitude attracts
comprehension and which other one can cause misunderstanding. Learners should be careful
when choosing a gratitude strategy in a given situation because language plays an essential role
in the production of English expressions of gratitude and it also influences the interlocutors'
interactions( Alrefaee, 2020; Al-Marrani, 2023; and Al-Sallal, 2024). The main purpose of the
current study is to explore the types of English expressions of gratitude that are used by Yemeni
male speakers at Sana'a University.
1.1.Research questions
To achieve the objective of the study, the following research questions are raised:
1. What are the types of English expressions of gratitude used by Yemeni male speakers
from level four students at the Departments of English at Sana'a University?
2. What are the most frequently used English expressions of gratitude by Yemeni male
speakers from level four students at the Departments of English at Sana'a University?
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1.Speech Act of English Expressions of Gratitude
One of the most commonly used speech acts in everyday interactions is the gratitude speech
act. Gratitude is one of the major instruments which strengthen the bonds among the members
of a society. It is regarded as something positive both across time and across cultures. Jautz
(2008) states that “English expressions of gratitude are used when a speaker wants the hearer
to know that s/he is grateful for what the addressee has said or done” (p. 142). Moreover,
Eisenstein and Bodman (1995) mention that English expressions of gratitude can “engender
feelings of warmth and solidarity among interlocutors” (p. 64). Furthermore, English
expressions of gratitude have been defined in various ways and have types and strategies that
vary and often overlap. Eisenstein and Bodman (1995) claim two various views of thanking in
the literature. They stress that Brown and Levinson (1987) categorize expressing gratitude as
a face-threatening act in which the speaker feels obliged to admit a debt to the hearer. Leech
(1983), on the other side, categorizes gratitude as a convivial function that the goal of stating
appreciation helps in maintaining a polite and friendly social atmosphere between speaker and
hearer.
2.2.English Gratitude Expressions Strategies
One of the most common categorizations for gratitude expression strategies that have been
constantly used by many scholars and researchers is one that suggested by Cheng (2005).
Cheng (2005) classifies expressions of gratitude strategies into eight general strategies. They
are as follows: (1) Thanking strategy; it composes of three subcategories; a) thanking only by
using the word “thank you” (Thanks a lot! thank you very much!), b) thanking by stating the
favour (Thank you for your notice!) and c) thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
44
the favour (Thank you for helping me cleaning the kitchen). (2) Appreciation strategy; it
includes two subcategories; a) by using the word "appreciate" without elaboration (I
appreciate it!) and b) by using the word appreciate and mentioning the imposition caused by
the favor (I appreciate the time you spent for/with me). (3) Positive Feeling; it has two
categories; a) by expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer) (You are a life saver!)
and b) by expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor (This book was really
helpful!). (4) Apology strategy; it consists of three categories; a) using only apologizing words
(I'm sorry), b) by using apologizing words (sorry or apologize) and stating the favor or the fact
(I’m sorry for the problem I made!), c) criticizing or blaming oneself (I’m such a fool!) and d)
expressing embarrassment (It’s so embarrassing!). (5) Recognition of imposition; it contains
three subcategories; a) acknowledging the imposition (I know that you are not allowed to give
me extra time!), b) stating the need or the favor (I try not to ask for extra time, but this time I
need it!) and c) diminishing the need for the favor (You didn’t have to do that!). (6) Repayment;
it consists of three subcategories; a) by offering or promising service, money, food or goods
(Next time it's my turn to pay!), b) indicating his/her indebtedness (I owe you one!) and c) by
promising future self-restraint or self-improvement (It won't happen again!). (7) Others are
expressions that do not belong to the above strategies are categorized as the other strategies.
There are four subcategories under the Other strategy; a) here statement (Here you are!), b)
small talk (Your face is very familiar to me but I can’t remember where I saw you. What do
you study?), c) leave-taking (Goodbye, have a nice day!) and d) joking (Don’t forget to pay
again next time). (8) Alerter: in the thanking situations, attention getter and address term are
likely to occur in the same utterance. The alerters are classified as; a) attention getter (Hey, Hi,
Well), b) title (Dr., Professor! Sir!) and c) name (John, Mary).
2.3.Gender
Gender, according to Wardhaugh (2002), is one of a lot of factors that influence the daily
language and use of speech act, so men and women use language differently. Tannen (1990;
1994; 1995) clarify that men's and women's methods of communication are very various.
According to Xia (2013), men and women also differ in the type of language they use and how
they use it. Mills (2003) also indicates that gender plays a significant role in determining
suitable strategies in different situations. Since both men and women have various styles of
speaking. They may accordingly have different ways of using speech acts. Consequently, males
and females have different strategies in offering English expressions of gratitude.
2.4.Previous Studies
Nisa (2021) conducted a study under the title “Gender-Based Strategies in Expressing
Gratitude in English Realized by Indonesian EFL Learners”. The goal of this study is to depict
the gratitude strategies utilized by Indonesian EFL female and male students in responding to
various academic situations. The participants were 85 undergraduate students of English
Literature, at Brawijaya University in Malang. The data were gathered by using Discourse
Completion Tasks (DCT) from O’Keeffe, Clancy, and Adolphs (2011). The results showed
that the diversity of gratitude strategies based on Chen, Ho, and Yang's (2005) taxonomy and
used by the participants from both genders, varied from brief, lengthy, to complex thanking
acts. It is also revealed that both genders successfully expressed their gratitude in responding
to the five academic contexts made by the researcher.
Volume 6, Issue 3, 2024
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
45
Bakırcı and Özbay (2020) introduced a study “Investigating EFL speakers’ gratitude
strategies: Interlanguage pragmatics”. The main aim of the study is to identify gratitude
strategies used by EFL speakers which have always been the focus of interest by researchers
who observed the presence of pragmatic transfer strategies by which speakers express their
gratitude. The subjects included 80 EFL learners in Turkey and 70 non-native European
speakers of English at the tertiary level. The researchers also interviewed 44 Turkish-speaking
participants. The data were collected by several adapted versions of Discourse Completion
Tasks (DCTs) by Eisenstein and Bodman (1986) are constructed based on the original version
and largely applied to the participants from various backgrounds. The primary findings of this
study indicated strong divergences and weak similarities between both speaker groups who
resorted to the speech act of thanking compared to non-native European speakers who also
differed in thanking strategies.
Rydh (2019) conducted a study under the title "Gender Differences in Gratitude among
University Students in Sweden". This study aims to investigate possible gender differences in
trait gratitude and positive and negative affect. In addition, a possible relationship between the
trait gratitude and its effect is investigated as well as cultural differences between Swedish
students and international students studying in Sweden. The subjects consisted of 184
individuals currently studying at a university in Sweden. The gender distribution was 132
female participants (71.7%), including 47 international students and 52 male participants
(28.3%), including 10 international students, resulting in a total of 57 international students
(31.0%). The data were collected through a questionnaire that was created digitally via the
Google Forms platform and distributed via social media, i.e. Facebook. The results of this study
were unable to find any differences in trait gratitude, however, a gender difference was found
in experienced negative affect and cultural differences were found in both positive and negative
affect. A positive relationship between trait gratitude and positive affect, as well as a negative
relationship between trait gratitude and negative affect, were also found.
Hassan (2019) conducted a study under the title “Genderlect and Thanking”. This study aims
to find out the strategies Iraqi EFL learners use concerning the speech act of thanking and to
Conclude whether female learners thank more than males overall. The subjects were selected
by conducting a test on a random sample of Iraqi EFL fourth-year students at the Department
of English/ College of Education for Human Sciences. University of Babylon (2016-2017).
The data were collected through the test that has been constructed. The results of this study
revealed that the students used the direct strategies to thank almost all the time and they even
left some of the strategies (especially the indirect one) unused. As for gender; females used
thanking strategies a bit less than males.
Al-Momani, Jaradat, Al-Khawaldeh, and Bani-Khair (2017) introduced a study titled
“Expressing Gratitude in an EFL Context: The Case of Jordanian Learners”. This study aims
to reveal the existing literature on interlanguage pragmatics by investigating intermediate
Jordanian EFL learners’ gratitude speech act realization compared to that of native American
English speakers. The study considered both aspects of pragmatic competence including
pragmalinguistic knowledge (the use of gratitude strategies) and sociopragmatic knowledge
(the influence of contextual variables). The subjects were 60 participants divided into two
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
46
groups: 30 native speakers of American English, and 30 Jordanian EFL learners. The data were
elicited by using a discourse completion task (DCT) questionnaire. The results revealed that
while Jordanian EFL learners and American English native speakers have access to the same
gratitude strategies, both groups differed in the order preference of the used strategies and their
frequency of use. Furthermore, the two groups showed different patterns in responding to
contextual variables (social power and size of imposition).
3. METHOD
3.1.Participants
The participants of the questionnaire are about 230 male and female Yemeni EFL learners (115
males and 115 females). In addition, all samples are native speakers of Arabic language and
undergraduate students from Level Four from English Departments (Faculty of Arts and
Humanities, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Languages) and Translation Department
(Faculty of Languages), Sana’a University, Yemen. The reason behind selecting this sample is
that the participants are relatively homogeneous in terms of their cultural background and
academic/linguistic experiences.
3.2.Instrument
In order to collect the required data for the current study, the researcher uses the instrument of
a written Discourse Completion Test (DCT) questionnaire. The DCT is one of the fundamental
collection instruments in pragmatic research. DCT usually consists of a short description of a
particular situation. DCT, according to Ebadi and Salman (2015) is the most common method
used for investigating speech acts. It motivates the researcher to elicit the required data in
different social situations and then allows the researcher to collect research data in an
approximate short time.
3.3.Data collection procedures and analysis
After discussing the validity of the DCT with the supervisor and six other professors from
different faculties at Sana'a University and modifying the DCT based on the professors' notes
and suggestions, the researcher randomly selects the required samples on which the instrument
is applied. Besides this, the researcher takes permission from target faculties to distribute the
DCT to all participants in this study. After collecting the data from three faculties by using the
instrument of a written Discourse Completion Test (DCT) questionnaire, the researcher
classifies and codes the participants' responses in accordance with a coding system devised by
Cheng (2005). Finally, the quantitative method is used to analyse the collected data for the
DCT by using the statistical analysis SPSS program in terms of (frequencies and percentages).
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this section, the researcher introduces the analysis and discussion of the data which are
collected by using a Discourse Completion Test (DCT) questionnaire. The data are analysed to
explore the types of English expressions of gratitude that are used by Yemeni male speakers at
Sana'a University, and then determine the most frequently used strategies that the participants
favour to employ when thanking others. After collecting the data via the DCT, the participants'
responses are classified and coded based on the coding scheme proposed by Cheng (2005).
Volume 6, Issue 3, 2024
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
47
This analysis involves all participants' responses in order to identify the highest and lowest
percentages of English expressions of gratitude.
4.1.The Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude as Used by Yemeni EFL
Learners with People of Higher Status (Male-Male).
Table 1: Yemeni EFL Learners' Performance with People of Higher Status (M-M)
Situation (4)
Situation (3)
Situation (2)
Situation (1)
Secondary
Strategies
Main
Strategies
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
19.1%
22
61.7%
71
14.8%
17
53.0%
61
Bald thanking or
using the word
"thanks".
Thanking
26.1%
30
3.5%
4
24.3%
28
5.2%
6
Thanking and stating
the favour.
7.8%
9
0
0
13.0%
15
3.5%
4
Thanking and
mentioning the
imposition caused by
the favour.
3.5%
4
5.2%
6
1.7%
2
4.3%
5
Using the word
"appreciate" without
elaboration.
Appreciati
on
17.4%
20
0
0
7.8%
9
2.6%
3
Using the word
"appreciate" and
mentioning the
imposition caused by
the favor
2.6%
3
3.5%
4
6.1%
7
7.8%
9
Expressing a positive
reaction to the favor
giver (hearer).
Positive
feelings
0
0
0
0
13.9%
16
1.7%
2
Expressing a positive
reaction to the object
of the favour.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Using only
apologizing words
"sorry" or
"apologize".
Apology
0.9%
1
5.2%
6
0
0
0
0
Using apologizing
words sorry or
apologize and stating
the favour.
0
0
2.6%
3
0
0
0
0
Criticizing or blaming
oneself.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Expressing
embarrassment.
4.3%
5
1.7%
2
4.3%
5
4.3%
5
Acknowledging the
imposition.
Recogniti
on of
impositio
n
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
1.7%
2
1.7%
2
Stating the need for
the favor.
0.9%
1
4.3%
5
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
Diminishing the need
for the favor.
0
0
0
0
1.7%
2
0
0
Offering or promising
service, money, food
or goods.
Repayme
nt
6.1%
7
0
0
0.9%
1
6.1%
7
Indicating his/her
indebtedness.
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
48
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Promising future self-
restraint or self-
improvement.
5.2%
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
Here statement
Other
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
Small talk
0
0
0
0
4.3%
5
0
0
Leaving-taking
0
0
0.9%
1
2.6%
3
1.7%
2
Joking
0.9%
1
5.2%
6
0
0
6.1%
7
Attention getter
Alerters
0.9%
1
5.2%
6
0
0
0.9%
1
Title
2.6%
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Name
100.0
%
115
100.0
%
115
100.0
%
11
5
100.0
%
115
24
Total
From the data shown in Table 1 above, it appears that the participants used fourteen strategies
for situation one. The main strategy that is used by 61 (53.0%) of the participants is "bald
thanking or using the word "thank". The second strategy is "expressing a positive reaction to
the favor giver (hearer)" that is employed by 9 participants (7.8%). While, two strategies are
equally preferred by 7 participants (6.1%) for each strategy. They are "indicating his/her
indebtedness" and "attention getter". Another strategy that is selected by 6 participants (5.2%)
is "thanking and stating the favor". In addition, two strategies are "using the word "appreciate"
without elaboration" and "acknowledging the imposition" which are equally used by 5
participants (4.3%) for each one. Only 4 (3.5%) of the participants chose the strategy of
"thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" and 3 participants (2.6%) utilize
the strategy of "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the
favor" to thank their oldest brothers for bringing a bouquet of flowers in their graduation party.
Also, three strategies that are equally chosen by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy are
"expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor", "stating the need for the favor" and
"joking". The last two strategies are "diminishing the need for the favor" and "title" that are
equally selected by only 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
From the data in Table 1, in situation two, 28 (24.3%) of the participants prefer to thank others
by using "thanking and stating the favor". While "bald thanking or using the word "thank"" is
the second most used strategy which is employed by 17 participants (14.8%). Also, 16
participants (13.9%) chose "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor" and 15
participants (13.0%) used "thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" to
thank their uncles for inviting them and for the food. In addition, 9 participants (7.8%)
employed "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor"
and 7 participants (6.1%) selected "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)".
Furthermore, two strategies that are equally preferred by 5 participants (4.3%) for each strategy
are "acknowledging the imposition" and "leaving-taking". Also, "joking" is used by 3
participants (2.6%). Other four strategies such as "using the word "appreciate" without
elaboration", "stating the need for the favor", "diminishing the need for the favour" and
"offering or promising service, money, food or goods" are equally favored by 2 participants
(1.7%) for each strategy. The last two strategies like "indicating his/her indebtedness" and
"small talk" are equally employed by only 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
Volume 6, Issue 3, 2024
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
49
In Table 1 above, in situation three, the most frequently used strategy which is used by 71
participants (61.7%) is "bald thanking or using the word "thank"". The second four strategies
that are equally chosen by 6 participants (5.2%) for each strategy are "using the word
"appreciate" without elaboration", "using apologizing words sorry or apologize and stating
the favor", "attention getter" and "title". Only 5 participants (4.3%) favor "diminishing the need
for the favor". In addition, two strategies are "thanking and stating the favor" and "expressing
a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" that are equally employed by 4 participants
(3.5%) for each strategy. Also, 3 participants (2.6%) used "criticizing or blaming oneself" and
2 participants (1.7%) chose "acknowledging the imposition". The remaining two strategies that
are equally used by only 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy are "stating the need for the
favor" and "joking".
As seen that 30 participants (26.1%) chose "thanking and stating the favor" which is the most
frequently used strategy in situation four. The second most used strategy is "bald thanking or
using the word" which is used by 22 participants (19.1%). "Using the word "appreciate" and
mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" is the third most used strategy that is preferred
by 20 participants (17.4%). In addition, 9 participants (7.8%) favor "thanking and mentioning
the imposition caused by the favor", 7 participants (6.1%) employed "indicating his/her
indebtedness", 6 participants (5.2%) select "here statement", 5 participants (4.3%) use
"acknowledging the imposition" and 4 participants (3.5%) prefer the strategy of "using the word
"appreciate" without elaboration" to appreciate the others. The following strategies:
"Expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" and "name" are equally used by 3
participants (2.6%) for each strategy. Moreover, six strategies such as "using apologizing
words sorry or apologize and stating the favor", "stating the need for the favor", "diminishing
the need for the favor", "promising future self-restraint or self-improvement", "attention
getter", and "title" are favored by only 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
4.2.The Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude as Used by Yemeni EFL
Learners with People of Equal Status (Male-Male)
Table 2: Yemeni EFL Learners' Performance with People of Equal Status (M-M)
Situation (8)
Situation (7)
Situation (6)
Situation (5)
Secondary
Strategies
Main
Strategies
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
23.5%
27
37.4%
43
35.7%
41
27.8%
32
Bald thanking or using the
word "thank".
Thanking
7.0%
8
5.2%
6
11.3%
13
10.4%
12
Thanking and stating the
favor.
0
0
3.5%
4
0.9%
1
4.3%
5
Thanking and mentioning the
imposition caused by the
favor.
4.3%
5
7.0%
8
1.7%
2
5.2%
6
Using the word "appreciate"
without elaboration.
Appreciation
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
Using the word "appreciate"
and mentioning the
imposition caused by the
favor
7.0%
8
12.2%
14
18.3%
21
11.3%
13
Expressing a positive
reaction to the favor giver
(hearer).
Positive
feelings
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
50
4.3%
5
2.6%
3
1.7%
2
1.7%
2
Expressing a positive
reaction to the object of the
favor.
4.3%
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
Using only apologizing
words "sorry" or "apologize".
Apology
7.0%
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
Using apologizing words
sorry or apologize and stating
the favor.
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Criticizing or blaming
oneself.
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Expressing embarrassment.
3.5%
4
4.3%
5
0
0
2.6%
3
Acknowledging the
imposition.
Recognition
of
imposition
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
2.6%
3
5.2%
6
Stating the need for the favor.
3.5%
4
1.7%
2
0
0
1.7%
2
Diminishing the need for the
favor.
15.7%
18
1.7%
2
7.8%
9
10.4%
12
Offering or promising
service, money, food or
goods.
Repayment
7.0%
8
4.3%
5
11.3%
13
10.4%
12
Indicating his/her
indebtedness.
3.5%
4
0.9%
1
0
0
0.9%
1
Promising future self-
restraint or self-
improvement.
0
0
0
0
2.6%
3
1.7%
2
Here statement
Other
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
Small talk
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
0.9%
1
Leaving-taking
0.9%
1
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
2.6%
3
Joking
2.6%
3
11.3%
13
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
Attention getter
Alerters
0
0
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
Title
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Name
100.0%
115
100.0%
115
100.0%
115
100.0%
115
24
Total
In Table 2, in situation five, it can be observed that there are eighteen strategies are chosen by
the participants. 32 (27.8%) of the participants thank others by using "bald thanking or using
the word "thank"" which is regarded the most frequent used strategy in this situation. 13
participants (11.3%) chose "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)". This is
the second most used strategy. The third three strategies are "thanking and stating the favor",
"offering or promising service, money, food or goods" and "indicating his/her indebtedness"
which are equally used by 12 participants (10.4%) for each strategy. "Using the word
"appreciate" without elaboration" and "stating the need for the favor" are equally preferred by
6 participants (5.2%) for each strategy. While "thanking and mentioning the imposition caused
by the favor" is employed by 5 participants (4.3%). Furthermore, "acknowledging the
imposition" and "joking" are favored equally by 3 participants (2.6%) for each strategy. Also,
three strategies are equally used by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy. They are
"expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor", "diminishing the need for the favor"
and "here statement" to thank their cousins for a video camera that they lent them in a wedding
party. The last four strategies are "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition
caused by the favor", "promising future self-restraint or self-improvement", "leaving-taking",
"attention getter" and "title" which are equally used by only 1 participant (0.9%).
As shown in Table 2, in situation six, most of the participants employed "bald thanking or
using the word "thank"" that is used by 41 participants (35.7%). While "expressing a positive
reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" is preferred by 21 participants (18.3%). Other two
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International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
51
strategies that are equally favored by 13 participants (11.3%) for each strategy are "thanking
and stating the favor" and "indicating his/her indebtedness". 9 participants (7.8%) thank others
by using "offering or promising service, money, food or goods". In addition, three strategies
are equally used by 3 participants (2.6%) for each strategy. These strategies are "using the word
"appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor", "stating the need for the
favor" and "here statement". Two strategies are equally chosen by only 2 participants (1.7%)
for each strategy which are "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration" and "expressing
a positive reaction to the object of the favor". Also, five strategies are equally favored by only
1 participant (9.0%) for each strategy. They are "thanking and mentioning the imposition
caused by the favor", "small talk", "joking", "attention getter" and "title".
In Table 2 above, the participants use nineteen English gratitude expression strategies for
situation seven. They use "bald thanking or using the word "thank"" which is preferred by 43
participants (37.4%). This strategy is the most frequently used one. The next strategy is
"expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" which is used by 14 participants
(12.2%). The participants use other strategies such as "attention getter" which is employed by
13 participants (11.3%), "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration" which is employed
by 8 participants (7.0%) and "thanking and stating the favor" that is chosen by 6 participants
(5.2%). Moreover, two strategies like "acknowledging the imposition" and "indicating his/her
indebtedness" are equally selected by 5 participants (4.3%) for each strategy. 4 participants
(3.5%) use "thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" and 3 participants
(2.6%) employ "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor". These four strategies
"diminishing the need for the favor", "offering or promising service, money, food or goods",
"joking" and "title" are equally favored by 2 (1.7%) of the participants for each strategy. The
last six strategies are equally used by 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy. They include
"using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor", "criticizing
or blaming oneself", "expressing embarrassment", "stating the need for the favor", "promising
future self-restraint or self-improvement" and "leaving-taking".
In situation eight, eighteen English gratitude expression strategies are preferred by Yemeni
EFL learners. The most frequently used strategy is "bald thanking or using the word "thank""
which is used by 27 participants (23.5%). The second most used strategy is "offering or
promising service, money, food or goods" that is favored by 18 participants (15.7%). Other
four strategies like "thanking and stating the favor", "expressing a positive reaction to the favor
giver (hearer)", "using apologizing words sorry or apologize and stating the favor" and
"indicating his/her indebtedness" are preferred equally by 8 participants (7.0%) for each
strategy. Other three strategies that are equally employed by 5 participants (4.3%) for each
strategy are "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration", "expressing a positive reaction
to the object of the favor" and "using only apologizing words "sorry" or "apologize"".
Additionally, 4 participants (3.5%) for each strategy equally used three strategies. They are
"acknowledging the imposition", "diminishing the need for the favor" and "promising future
self-restraint or self-improvement". 3 participants (2.6%) for each strategy are equally
employed both two strategies "stating the need for the favor" and "attention getter". In this
situation, another strategy that is chosen by 2 participants (1.7%) is "using the word
"appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor". "Criticizing or blaming
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
52
oneself", "expressing embarrassment" and "joking" are equally used by only 1 participant
(0.9%) for each strategy.
4.3.The Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude as Used by Yemeni EFL
Learners with People of Lower Status (Male-Male).
Table 3: Yemeni EFL Learners' Performance with People of Lower Status (M-M)
Situation (12)
Situation (11)
Situation (10)
Situation (9)
Secondary
Strategies
Main
Strategies
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
57.4%
66
70.4%
81
71.3%
82
33.0%
38
Bald thanking or
using the word
"thank".
Thanking
12.2%
14
9.6%
11
8.7%
10
12.2%
14
Thanking and stating
the favor.
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
1.7%
2
2.6%
3
Thanking and
mentioning the
imposition caused by
the favor.
2.6%
3
2.6%
3
2.6%
3
3.5%
4
Using the word
"appreciate" without
elaboration.
Appreciation
0
0
0.9%
1
1.7%
2
4.3%
5
Using the word
"appreciate" and
mentioning the
imposition caused by
the favor
11.3%
13
3.5%
4
5.2%
6
14.8%
17
Expressing a positive
reaction to the favor
giver (hearer).
Positive
feelings
0.9%
1
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
3.5%
4
Expressing a positive
reaction to the object
of the favor.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Using only
apologizing words
"sorry" or
"apologize".
Apology
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.7%
2
Using apologizing
words sorry or
apologize and stating
the favor.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criticizing or
blaming oneself.
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Expressing
embarrassment.
2.6%
3
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
Acknowledging the
imposition.
Recognition of
imposition
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
Stating the need for
the favor.
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
0.9%
1
Diminishing the need
for the favor.
2.6%
3
1.7%
2
0
0
11.3%
13
Offering or
promising service,
money, food or
goods.
Repayment
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International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
53
2.6%
3
1.7%
2
3.5%
4
5.2%
6
Indicating his/her
indebtedness.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
Promising future
self-restraint or self-
improvement.
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
Here statement
Other
0
0
1.7%
2
0
0
0.9%
1
Small talk
0
0
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
Leaving-taking
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.7%
2
Joking
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
1.7%
2
1.7%
2
Attention getter
Alerters
2.6%
3
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
Title
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Name
100.0%
115
100.0%
115
100.0%
115
100.0
%
11
5
24
Total
It is clear from Table 3, in situation nine, that the strategy "bald thanking or using the word
"thank"" is used by the highest number of participants 38 (33.0%). "Expressing a positive
reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" is chosen by 17 participants (14.8%), "thanking and
stating the favor" is also favored by 14 participants (12.2%) and "offering or promising service,
money, food or goods" is used by 13 participants (11.3%) to express their grateful to others.
Moreover, 6 participants (5.2%) preferred "indicating his/her indebtedness" and 5 participants
(4.3%) selected "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the
favor". Two strategies are "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration" and "expressing
a positive reaction to the object of the favor" which are equally used by 4 participants (3.5%)
for each strategy. "Thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" was chosen
by 3 participants (2.6%). In addition to these three strategies "using apologizing words sorry
or apologize and stating the favor", "joking" and "attention getter" are equally selected by 2
participants (1.7%) for each strategy. Five strategies are equally preferred by only 1 participant
(0.9%) for each strategy. These strategies are "diminishing the need for the favor", "promising
future self-restraint or self-improvement", "here statement", "small talk" and "title".
Situation ten shows that the most frequently used strategy which is preferred by more than half
of the participants, 82 (71.3%) is "bald thanking or using the word "thank"". The next strategy
is "thanking and stating the favor" which is used by 10 participants (8.7%). Only 6 participants
(5.2%) thanked others by using "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)", 4
participants (3.5%) chose "indicating his/her indebtedness" and 3 participants (2.6%) used
"using the word "appreciate" without elaboration". Three strategies that are equally favoured
by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy are "thanking and mentioning the imposition caused
by the favor", "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor"
and "attention getter". The last four strategies that are equally employed by only 1 participant
(0.9%) for each strategy are "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor",
"acknowledging the imposition", "stating the need for the favor" and "leaving-taking".
According to Table 3 above, situation eleven illustrates that half of the participants, 81 (70.4%)
prefer to thank others by using "bald thanking or using the word "thank"". About 11
participants (9.6%) chose "thanking and stating the favor". About 4 participants (3.5%) use
"expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" and about 3 participants (2.6%)
select "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration". In addition, four strategies that are
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
54
equally employed by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy are "expressing a positive reaction
to the object of the favor", "offering or promising service, money, food or goods", "indicating
his/her indebtedness" and "small talk". Moreover, eight strategies are equally used by 1
participant (0.9%) for each strategy are "thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the
favor", "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor",
"expressing embarrassment", "stating the need for the favor", "diminishing the need for the
favor", "leaving-taking", "attention getter" and "name".
In situation twelve, the most frequently used strategy is "bald thanking or using the word
"thank"" which is employed by 66 participants (57.4%). The second most used strategy is
"thanking and stating the favor" which is used by 14 participants (12.2%). The third most
strategy that is used by 13 participants (11.3%) is "expressing a positive reaction to the favor
giver (hearer)". Other five strategies: "Using the word "appreciate" without elaboration",
"acknowledging the imposition", "offering or promising service, money, food or goods",
"indicating his/her indebtedness" and "title" are equally utilized by 3 participants (2.6%) for
each strategy. Only 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy are equally chosen the following
strategy: "Thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" and "attention getter".
The last three strategies that are equally preferred by 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy are
"expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor", "stating the need for the favor" and
"here statement".
Furthermore, in all the previous situations (1-12), it can be noticed that in Yemeni culture, the
male participants in M-M interactions use new strategies of English expressions of gratitude
which do not utilise by English native speakers like (religious semantic formulas) that shows
their strong ties with religion. Besides this, they use simple strategies of gratitude to express
their thanks to other people. These strategies are as follows:
1. Thanking by stating moral attachments
This strategy includes three types of religious strategies:
(A). Expression of praying for the favor giver (hearer) ("Allah bless you", "God bless you",
"Alhamdulillah, because you are my friend, may God bless you" and "Allah save you my
father").
(B). Expression of asking God (Allah) for rewarding the favor giver (hearer) ("may Allah help
you as you help me").
(C). Expression of wishing for something good for the hearer ("may Allah makes your life with
all happiness").
2-Appreciation tokens ("it was a very kind of you, thanks", "thank you from the bottom of my
heart" and "above my head").
3- Silence
This strategy composes of three strategies like:
(A). Thanking and hugging ("I'll hug him and say thank you daddy")
(B). Thanking and kissing ("I will kiss my father's hand").
(C). Thanking and smiling ("I will give him a wide smile" and "I will hug him and smile").
4. Request ("You can take it" and "take it").
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International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
55
5. Expression of love ("I love you, daddy").
6. Expression of surprising and happiness ("you made my day", "you really surprised me, I
am so much proud of you boy" and " pleasure to have friends like you").
4.4.The Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude as Used by Yemeni EFL
Learners with People of Higher Status (Male-Female)
Table 4: Yemeni EFL Learners' Performance with People of Higher Status (M-F)
Situation (4)
Situation (3)
Situation (2)
Situation (1)
Secondary
Strategies
Main Strategies
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
23.5%
27
58.3%
67
15.7%
18
54.8%
63
Bald thanking or using the word
"thank".
Thanking
17.4%
20
0.9%
1
13.9%
16
1.7%
2
Thanking and stating the favor.
9.6%
11
0
0
7.0%
8
1.7%
2
Thanking and mentioning the
imposition caused by the favor.
1.7%
2
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
4.3%
5
Using the word "appreciate" without
elaboration.
Appreciation
12.2%
14
0.9%
1
4.3%
5
1.7%
2
Using the word "appreciate" and
mentioning the imposition caused by
the favor
7.8%
9
11.3%
13
8.7%
10
10.4%
12
Expressing a positive reaction to the
favor giver (hearer).
Positive
feelings
0.9%
1
0
0
29.6%
34
7.0%
8
Expressing a positive reaction to the
object of the favor.
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
Using only apologizing words "sorry"
or "apologize".
Apology
3.5%
4
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Using apologizing words sorry or
apologize and stating the favor.
0
0
1.7%
2
0
0
0
0
Criticizing or blaming oneself.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Expressing embarrassment.
2.6%
3
2.6%
3
2.6%
3
5.2%
6
Acknowledging the imposition.
Recognition of
imposition
1.7%
2
4.3%
5
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
Stating the need for the favor.
0.9%
1
3.5%
4
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
Diminishing the need for the favor.
1.7%
2
0
0
2.6%
3
0
0
Offering or promising service, money,
food or goods.
Repayment
6.1%
7
0
0
1.7%
2
3.5%
4
Indicating his/her indebtedness.
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Promising future self-restraint or self-
improvement.
6.1%
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
Here statement
Other
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
Small talk
0
0
0
0
3.5%
4
0
0
Leaving-taking
0
0
0.9%
1
4.3%
5
0.9%
1
Joking
0.9%
1
6.1%
7
1.7%
2
7.0%
8
Attention getter
Alerters
0
0
5.2%
6
0
0
0
0
Title
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Name
100.0
%
11
5
100.0
%
115
100.0
%
115
100.0
%
11
5
24
Total
In Table 4, in situation one, it notices that 63 participants (54.8%) express thanking for their
oldest sisters for bringing a bouquet of flowers in their graduation party by using "bald thanking
or using the word "thank"" and this is the highest number of the participants. The next strategy
that is used by 12 participants (10.4%) is "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver
(hearer)". The third two strategies are "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor"
and "attention getter" that are equally selected by 8 participants (7.0%) for each strategy. In
the same situation, "acknowledging the imposition" is employed by 6 participants (5.2%),
"using the word "appreciate" without elaboration" is chosen by 5 participants (4.3%) and
"indicating his/her indebtedness" is also favored by 4 participants (3.5%). Additionally, three
strategies that are equally used by 2 (1.7%) of the participants for each strategy are "thanking
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
56
and stating the favor", "thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" and
"using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor". While,
"stating the need for the favor", "diminishing the need for the favor" and "joking" are employed
by only 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
In situation two, the most frequently used strategy is "expressing a positive reaction to the
object of the favor" that is employed by 34 (29.6%) of the participants. The second most used
strategy which is used by 18 participants (15.7%) is "bald thanking or using the word "thank"".
"Thanking and stating the favor" is chosen by 16 participants (13.9%), "expressing a positive
reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" is favored by 10 participants (8.7%) and "thanking and
mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" is favored by 8 participants (7.0%). "Using the
word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" and "joking" are
preferred equally by only 5 participants (4.3%) for each strategy. 4 participants (3.5%) select
"leaving-taking". Moreover, two strategies like "acknowledging the imposition" and "offering
or promising service, money, food or goods" are equally used by only 3 participants (2.6%) for
each strategy. Also, "indicating his/her indebtedness" and "attention getter" are equally
preferred by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy. Five strategies such as "using the word
"appreciate" without elaboration", "using only apologizing for words "sorry" or "apologize"",
"stating the need for the favor", "diminishing the need for the favor" and "small talk" are
equally utilized by 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
It can be noticed, in situation three. The highest strategy which is used by 67 participants
(58.3%) is "bald thanking or using the word "thank"". The second strategy that is preferred by
13 participants (11.3%) is "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)". While
"attention getter" is employed by 7 participants (6.1%). There are other strategies like "title"
which is favored by 6 participants (5.2%), "stating the need for the favor" that is chosen by 5
participants (4.3%) and "diminishing the need for the favor" that is employed by 4 participants
(3.5%). Additionally, "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration" and "acknowledging
the imposition" are favored by 3 participants (2.6%) for each strategy. The strategy that is
favored by 2 participants (1.7%) is "criticizing or blaming oneself". Finally, "thanking and
stating the favor", "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the
favor", "using apologizing words sorry or apologize and stating the favor", "joking" and
"name" are equally selected by only 1 participant (0.9%).
Situation four in Table 4, illustrates that seventeen strategies are preferred by male and female
Yemeni EFL learners. About 27 (23.5%) of the participants thank their parents by using "bald
thanking or using the word "thank"". "Thanking and stating the favor" is used by 20
participants (17.4%), whereas, "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition
caused by the favor" is favored by 14 participants (12.2 %). Also, "thanking and mentioning
the imposition caused by the favor" is employed by 11 participants (9.6%) and "expressing a
positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" is chosen by 9 participants (7.8%). Besides this,
two strategies are equally preferred by 7 participants (6.1%) for each strategy. They are
"indicating his/her indebtedness" and "here statement". Another strategy that is used by 4
participants (3.5%) is "using apologizing words sorry or apologize and stating the favor".
While, "acknowledging the imposition" and "name" are favored by 3 participants (2.6%) for
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International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
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each strategy. Also, these three strategies "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration",
"stating the need for the favor" and "offering or promising service, money, food or goods" are
equally chosen by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy. These last four strategies like
"expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor", "diminishing the need for the favor",
"promising future self-restraint or self-improvement" and "attention getter" are equally used
by only 1 participant (0.9%) for each one.
4.5. The Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude as Used by Yemeni EFL
Learners with People of Equal Status (Male-Female).
Table 5: Yemeni EFL Learners' Performance with People of Equal Status (M-F)
Situation (8)
Situation (7)
Situation (6)
Situation (5)
Secondary
Strategies
Main
Strategies
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
27.8%
32
38.3%
44
46.1%
53
40.9%
47
Bald thanking or using the word
"thank".
Thanking
8.7%
10
4.3%
5
10.4%
12
10.4%
12
Thanking and stating the favor.
0
0
3.5%
4
2.6%
3
1.7%
2
Thanking and mentioning the
imposition caused by the favor.
7.0%
8
6.1%
7
5.2%
6
5.2%
6
Using the word "appreciate"
without elaboration.
Appreciatio
n
4.3%
5
0.9%
1
3.4%
4
0
0
Using the word "appreciate"
and mentioning the imposition
caused by the favor
6.1%
7
9.6%
11
8.7%
10
10.4%
12
Expressing a positive reaction to
the favor giver (hearer).
Positive
feelings
3.5%
4
6.1%
7
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
Expressing a positive reaction to
the object of the favor.
3.5%
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
Using only apologizing words
"sorry" or "apologize".
Apology
3.5%
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
Using apologizing words sorry
or apologize and stating the
favor.
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Criticizing or blaming oneself.
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Expressing embarrassment.
5.2%
6
3.5%
4
2.6%
3
2.6%
3
Acknowledging the imposition.
Recognitio
n of
imposition
2.6%
3
0
0
2.6%
3
5.2%
6
Stating the need for the favor.
4.3%
5
3.5%
4
0
0
0.9%
1
Diminishing the need for the
favor.
7.8%
9
0
0
2.6%
3
9.6%
11
Offering or promising service,
money, food or goods.
Repayment
1.7%
2
6.1%
7
8.7%
10
9.6%
11
Indicating his/her indebtedness.
6.1%
7
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
Promising future self-restraint
or self-improvement.
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
Here statement
Other
0
0
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
0
0
Small talk
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
Leaving-taking
1.7%
2
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
Joking
2.6%
3
10.4%
12
0.9%
1
0
0
Attention getter
Alerters
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Title
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Name
100.0
%
115
100.0%
115
100.0%
115
100.0%
11
5
24
Total
In Table 5, most of the participants in situation five use "bald thanking or using the word
"thank"" that is employed by 47 participants (40.9%).12 participants (10.4%) for each strategy
prefer equally to express their grateful to others by using "thanking and stating the favor" and
"expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)". 11 participants (9.6%) for each
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
58
strategy choose equally "offering or promising service, money, food or goods" and "indicating
his/her indebtedness". Also, 6 participants (5.2%) for each strategy used equally "using the
word "appreciate" without elaboration" and "stating the need for the favor". Other different
strategies like "acknowledging the imposition" that is favored by 3 participants (2.6%) and
"thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" that is chosen by 2 participants
(1.7%). The remaining five strategies that are equally used by only 1 participant (0.9%) for
each strategy are "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor", "diminishing the
need for the favor", "here statement", "leaving-taking" and "joking".
The previous Table 5, shows that in situation six, the most frequently used strategy that is
selected by 53 participants (46.1%) is "bald thanking or using the word "thank"". The second
most used strategy that is used by 12 participants (10.4%) is "thanking and stating the favor".
In this situation, "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" and "indicating
his/her indebtedness" are equally employed by 10 participants (8.7%) for each strategy. "Using
the word "appreciate" without elaboration" is also chosen by 6 participants (5.2%) and "using
the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" is favored by 4
participants (3.5%). Moreover, these five strategies are "thanking and mentioning the
imposition caused by the favor", "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor",
"acknowledging the imposition", "stating the need for the favor" and "offering or promising
service, money, food or goods" are equally preferred by only 3 participants (2.6%) for each
strategy. Also, the other five strategies are equally selected by only 1 participant (0.9%) for
each strategy. They are "promising future self-restraint or self-improvement", "here
statement", "small talk", "joking" and "attention getter".
In situation seven, the main strategy which is used by 44 participants (38.3%) is "bald thanking
or using the word "thank"". The rest of the participants use different strategies. For instance,
12 participants (10.4%) select "attention getter" and 11 participants (9.6%) employ "expressing
a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)". These three strategies "using the word
"appreciate" without elaboration", "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor"
and "indicating his/her indebtedness" are equally favored by 7 participants (6.1%) for each
strategy. This strategy "thanking and stating the favor" is chosen by 5 participants (4.3). Also,
three strategies which are equally used by 4 participants (3.5%) for each strategy are "thanking
and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor", "acknowledging the imposition" and
"diminishing the need for the favor". "Small talk" is favored by 3 participants (2.6%) and
"joking" is also preferred by 2 participants (1.7%). The last five strategies are "using the word
"appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor", "criticizing or blaming
oneself", "expressing embarrassment", "promising future self-restraint or self-improvement"
and "title" that is equally used by only 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
For situation eight, it appears that "bald thanking or using the word "thank"" is preferred by 32
(27.8%) of the participants. "Thanking and stating the favor" is used by 10 participants (8.7%),
while 9 participants (7.8%) thank others by using the strategy of "offering or promising service,
money, food or goods" and about 8 participants (7.0%) express their appreciation for others by
using "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration". Two strategies that are equally
chosen by 7 participants (6.1%) for each strategy are "expressing a positive reaction to the
Volume 6, Issue 3, 2024
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
59
favor giver (hearer)" and "promising future self-restraint or self-improvement". 6 participants
(5.2%) employ "acknowledging the imposition". Furthermore, 5 participants (4.3%) for each
strategy are equally used "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused
by the favor" and "diminishing the need for the favor". 4 participants (3.5%) for each strategy
are equally favored three strategies "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor",
"using only apologizing words "sorry" or "apologize" and "using apologizing words sorry or
apologize and stating the favor" and 3 participants (2.6%) for each strategy are equally
employed these three strategies "expressing embarrassment", "stating the need for the favor"
and "attention getter". Also, "indicating his/her indebtedness" and "joking are equally
preferred by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy. While the last strategy that is used by only
1 participant (0.9%) is "criticizing or blaming oneself".
4.6.The Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude as Used by Yemeni EFL
Learners with People of Lower Status (Male-Female).
Table 6: Yemeni EFL Learners' Performance with People of Lower Status (M-F)
Situation
(12)
Situation (11)
Situation
(10)
Situation (9)
Secondary
Strategies
Main
Strategies
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
%
F.
51.3%
59
67.8%
78
73.0
%
84
33.9
%
39
Bald thanking or using the word "thank".
Thanking
13.9%
16
6.1%
7
11.3
%
13
13.9
%
16
Thanking and stating the favor.
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
3.5%
4
Thanking and mentioning the imposition
caused by the favor.
5.2%
6
5.2%
6
5.2%
6
3.5%
4
Using the word "appreciate" without
elaboration.
Appreciation
1.7%
2
2.6%
3
0
0
7.0%
8
Using the word "appreciate" and mentioning
the imposition caused by the favor
7.0%
8
4.3%
5
2.6%
3
12.2
%
14
Expressing a positive reaction to the favor
giver (hearer).
Positive
feelings
1.7%
2
3.5%
4
1.7%
2
0
0
Expressing a positive reaction to the object of
the favor.
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
0.9%
1
Using only apologizing words "sorry" or
"apologize".
Apology
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
Using apologizing words sorry or apologize
and stating the favor.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criticizing or blaming oneself.
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Expressing embarrassment.
3.5%
4
0.9%
1
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
Acknowledging the imposition.
Recognition
of imposition
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
2.6%
3
Stating the need for the favor.
0
0
0.9%
1
0
0
0.9%
1
Diminishing the need for the favor.
3.5%
4
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
7.0%
8
Offering or promising service, money, food or
goods.
Repayment
4.3%
5
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
6.1%
7
Indicating his/her indebtedness.
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.7%
2
Promising future self-restraint or self-
improvement.
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Here statement
Other
0
0
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
0.9%
1
Small talk
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.9%
1
Leaving-taking
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.6%
3
Joking
2.6%
3
0.9%
1
0
0
0
0
Attention getter
Alerters
1.7%
2
0.9%
1
0
0
0.9%
1
Title
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Name
100.0
%
11
5
100.0
%
115
100.0
%
115
100.0
%
115
24
Total
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
60
Table 6, clarifies that in situation nine, about 39 participants (33.9%) thank their students for
fixing their computers by using the strategy of "bald thanking or using the word "thank"",
about 16 participants (13.9%) used "thanking and stating the favor" and about 14 participants
(12.2%) employ "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)". "Using the word
"appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" and "offering or promising
service, money, food or goods" are equally favored by 8 participants (7.0%) for each strategy.
Other strategies like "indicating his/her indebtedness" which is favored by 7 participants
(6.1%). "Thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor" and "using the word
"appreciate" without elaboration" that are equally chosen by 4 participants (3.5%).
Additionally, "stating the need for the favor" and "joking" are equally employed by 3
participants (2.6%) for each strategy. "Promising future self-restraint or self-improvement" is
also used by 2 participants (1.7%). The last seven strategies like "using only apologizing words
"sorry" or "apologize"", "using apologizing words sorry or apologize and stating the favor",
"acknowledging the imposition", "diminishing the need for the favor", "small talk", "leaving-
taking" and "title" are equally preferred by 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
It is clear that in situation ten, more than half of the participants, 84 (73.0%) thank others for
telling them the direction to the dean's office by using the strategy of "bald thanking or using
the word "thank"". 13 participants (11.3%) prefer "thanking and stating the favor" and also, 6
participants (5.2%) choose "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration". Besides this,
there are two strategies like "expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" and
"acknowledging the imposition" are equally used by 3 participants (2.6%) for each strategy.
Also, "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor" is selected by 2 participants
(1.7%). Moreover, the other four strategies which are equally employed by only 1 participant
(0.9%) for each strategy are "stating the need for the favor", "offering or promising service,
money, food or goods", "indicating his/her indebtedness" and "small talk".
In situation eleven, it can be observed that male and female Yemeni EFL Learners prefer to
use "bald thanking or using the word "thank"" which is used by 78 participants (67.8%). Other
strategies such as "thanking and stating the favor" that is employed by 7 participants (6.1%),
"using the word "appreciate" without elaboration" is preferred by 6 participants (5.2%),
"expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" is used by 5 participants (4.3%) and
"expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor" is selected by 4 participants (3.5%).
In addition, about 3 participants (2.6%) chose "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning
the imposition caused by the favor" and about 2 participants (1.7%) favor "offering or
promising service, money, food or goods". Moreover, the remaining ten strategies like
"thanking and mentioning the imposition caused by the favor", "using only apologizing for
words "sorry" or "apologize"", "expressing embarrassment", "acknowledging the imposition",
"stating the need for the favor", "diminishing the need for the favor", "indicating his/her
indebtedness", "small talk", "attention getter" and "title" are equally chosen by only 1
participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
The most frequently used strategy in situation twelve is "bald thanking or using the word
"thank"" which is preferred by 59 participants (51.3%). The second strategy is "thanking and
stating the favor" which is used by 16 participants (13.9%). While the third strategy is
"expressing a positive reaction to the favor giver (hearer)" that is chosen by 8 participants
(7.0%). The fourth strategy is "using the word "appreciate" without elaboration" that is used
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International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
61
by 6 participants (5.2%). The fifth strategy is "indicating his/her indebtedness" which is
favored by 5 participants (4.3%). Additionally, "acknowledging the imposition" and "offering
or promising service, money, food or goods" are equally employed by 4 participants (3.5%) for
each strategy. 3 participants (2.6%) express their thanking to others by "attention getter". These
three strategies "using the word "appreciate" and mentioning the imposition caused by the
favor", "expressing a positive reaction to the object of the favor" and "title" are equally favored
by 2 participants (1.7%) for each strategy. These last four strategies "thanking and mentioning
the imposition caused by the favor", "expressing embarrassment", "stating the need for the
favor" and "here statement" are equally used by 1 participant (0.9%) for each strategy.
Moreover, in all these situations (1-12), it can be observed that in a Yemeni culture, the male
participants in M-F interactions employ new strategies of English expressions of gratitude that
do not used by English native speakers like (religious semantic formulas). This clarifies their
strong ties with religion. In addition, they favor simple strategies to express their thankfulness
to others. These strategies are as follows:
1. Thanking by stating moral attachments
This strategy is one of the most commonly used category in Yemeni culture. It contains three
types of religious strategies:
(A). Expression of praying for the favor giver (hearer) ("Allah keep you my mother" and "God
keeps you to me").
(B). Expression of asking God (Allah) for rewarding the favor giver (hearer) ("Allah will reward
you").
(C). Expression of wishing for something good for the hearer ("Allah give you happiness" and
"may Allah makes you happy in your whole life").
2-Appreciation tokens ("I am fond of flowers a lot, thank you" and "thank you my sister").
3- Silence
This strategy includes two strategies such as:
(A). Thanking and kissing ("thank her and kiss her head" and I'll kiss her hand").
(B). Thanking and smiling ("smile and say thanks").
4. Request ("you can take it" and "take it").
5. Expression of surprising and happiness ("I am so happy for helping me" and "I am so
glad because you helped me").
5. CONCLUSION
Generally, the results of this study indicate that the male participants in M-M and M-F
interactions use twenty-four English expressions of gratitude for twelve situations with
different in frequencies and percentages, but the most frequent preferred strategy by all the
participants in all gratitude situations is "bald thanking or using the word "thank"". Also, the
data of the actual study show that the second most frequently used strategy is "positive feelings"
which is selected by the male participants in M-M and M-F interactions to express the speakers
their thankfulness to the hearers of different statuses and in order to maintain the relationship
between them. It is the expected behavior in Yemeni culture to illustrate solidarity,
familiarity/closeness or friendship with each other. Therefore, they prefer to use "positive
feelings" to make acceptable gratitude. Also, the participants tend to use more positive
reactions towards either their hearers or actions done. It appears that Yemeni male speakers
employ "repayment" as the third most frequently used strategy due to their nature which tends
to be more appreciative. This strategy is used by the male participants in M-M and M-F
Strategies of English Expressions of Gratitude Used by Yemeni Male Speakers in Male-Male and Male-
Female Interactions
International Journal of Language and Literary Studies
62
interactions, especially when the speaker of a lower or equal position thanks people of a higher
or an equal position. One respectful way in the Yemeni culture is to acknowledge the need for
the favor in order to satisfy others and maintain the harmony with each other, and also to avoid
direct thanking, because they believe that the use of this strategy is enough to express gratitude
to the hearer.
Furthermore, according to the results obtained from the present study, it can be noticed that the
most frequently used strategies are (thanking, positive feeling, repayment, appreciation and
recognition of imposition) which are chosen by the male participants in M-M and M-F
interactions to thank others. While the rest of the English expressions of gratitude are utilized
with a low frequency or amount by all groups. On the other hand, it can be noticed that the
male participants in M-M interactions employ English expressions of gratitude with higher
percentages than in M-F interactions. Moreover, it was expected that male participants would
use lower percentages than female participants, but it is the contrary because men in Yemeni
society can express thanking and behave more freely than women. Finally, the results reveal
that the participants' lack of knowledge about using various types of English expressions of
gratitude that are affected their usage of English gratitude expression strategies. This happens
because they have never heard of these strategies, so they are unable to use them successfully
and appropriately.
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