Cultural Expression in Speech Behavior: Methods of Inquiry

A study explored alternative ways of collecting data on cultural values as expressed in speech behaviors. It investigated perceptions of the use of compliments in American English interactions by five Japanese and five American women. Methods of data collection included, first, a questionnaire and then for comparison, interviews using items from the questionnaire. The analysis compared responses to the questionnaire and interviews by the same person, and Japanese with American responses. From the process of evolving an appropriate data collection method it was found that neither observation nor written questionnaires could provide the insights into cultural awareness and values that interviews can. While interviews alone would be insufficient, it is concluded that in combination with the other forms of data collection, they can be very informative. In addition, interviews can provide valuable data on pragmatics because speakers may have dual competence but choose to use home culture values as the basis for their performance. A 15-item bibliography is included. (MSE)