EN · C2
Apology Across Cultures
Interviewer: How do people usually start an apology when they’ve hurt someone’s feelings? Interviewee: Most often they begin with a simple, sincere phrase – “I’m sorry” – followed by a brief acknowledgment of the specific act, like “I shouldn’t have spoken so harshly.” It signals that they recognise the impact of their words. Interviewer: Are there more elaborate forms of apologising in professional settings? Interviewee: Absolutely. In the workplace, a formal apology might be accompanied by a written note, outlining the mistake, the steps taken to rectify it, and a commitment to avoid recurrence. This demonstrates accountability and restores trust. Interviewer: What about non‑verbal gestures? Do they matter? Interviewee: They can be pivotal. A genuine eye‑contact, a slight bow, or even a small token – such as a handwritten card – can amplify the verbal apology, especially in cultures where actions speak louder than words. Interviewer: Lastly, how do people handle repeated offenses? Interviewee: When transgressions recur, apologies must be coupled with tangible change. Simply saying “I’m sorry” repeatedly loses credibility; concrete behaviour adjustments are essential to rebuild credibility.