REALIZATION OF THE SPEECH ACT OF REFUSALS AMONG MALAY ESL STUDENTS

Refusing to participate in an action is a negative response that might lead dispute and jeopardise the connection between hearer speaker. To avoid conflict may arise when speaker must decline request, offer acceptable refusal adjust position of interlocutor as well circumstances situation. This study examined strategies sequence order employed by Malay speakers English second language (MSE) they refused requests made higher equal status interlocutors. Twelve MSE undergraduates from local university participated study. Data were collected using open role-play which transcribed, classified into semantic (Beebe et al., 1990) categorized types orders strategies. The findings revealed preferred indirect refusing interlocutors’ requests. When direct strategies, opted for lesser least degree directness. refuse both interlocutors also similar; immediate delayed refusal. However, deferred terms their preference two specific used pre-refusal, head act post-refusal. These variations show effort adapt interlocutors; given situations. Their use at post-refusal varied lengthier compared previous studies. reflect participants’ search equilibrium upholding stance same time remain respectful case employer being concerned toward friend. provide pragmatic input could be utilized teachers develop students’ ability socially appropriate situation encounter Malaysian context.