Rapport Management Approach to Reprimand: Intermediate Vs. Advanced EFL Learners

Using Spencer-Oatey's (2002, 2004) rapport management approach, this research investigated the role of proficiency when responding to particular reprimands. To make this end come true, a six binary Discourse Completion Task was utilized. The results revealed intermediate learners claimed autonomy and thus refused to be controlled and also violated respect and involvement components more than advanced EFL learners did. Also, intermediate learners tried to restructure the problem by depicting empathy and taking an interactional line more than their advanced counterparts did. Advanced EFL learners, on the other hand, more frequently respected the cost-benefit considerations.