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A Dissertation by GRACE HUI-CHIN LIN Submitted to the Office of ...

A Dissertation by GRACE HUI-CHIN LIN Submitted to the Office of ...

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FIGURE 4.1.<br />

Perceptions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Topic Avoidance Strategy<br />

____________________________________________________________________<br />

J. S.<br />

After analyzing, regarding <strong>the</strong> first strategy, <strong>to</strong>pic avoidance, all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seven<br />

respondents’ perceptions were quite similar. Every respondent expressed that <strong>the</strong><br />

strategy <strong>of</strong> “changing <strong>to</strong>pics” was useful and important. However, “keeping silent”<br />

was inappropriate in in-class communication. Also, it was especially inappropriate in<br />

a formal situation. Their reason was that it might create a pessimistic impression <strong>of</strong><br />

impoliteness. The students believed that, among <strong>the</strong> methods in <strong>the</strong> “<strong>to</strong>pic avoidance”<br />

strategy, learning <strong>of</strong> “changing <strong>to</strong>pic” was essential, but also <strong>the</strong>y would preclude<br />

using “keeping silent” in order <strong>to</strong> show a humble and polite attitude during English<br />

interlocution.<br />

S. R.<br />

Inevitable<br />

Gradually<br />

K.S: impolite<br />

Necessary<br />

Gradual<br />

K. S.: No<br />

respect<br />

T. L.<br />

Privacy<br />

Tricks<br />

C. C.<br />

Stimulant<br />

Interlocu<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

K.S: impolite<br />

K. S.: Feeling<br />

despised<br />

The data from both interviews concerning <strong>the</strong> strategy <strong>of</strong> <strong>to</strong>pic avoidance led<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> first finding noted in Figure 4.1. which showed that Taiwanese students<br />

T. A<br />

L. M.<br />

Privacy<br />

Polite<br />

J.G.<br />

Necessary<br />

Interlocu<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

K. S.: no signal<br />

P. P.<br />

Useful<br />

Interlocu<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

Polite words<br />

87

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