LAUSR

Abstract This is a cross-linguistic, cross-cultural study investigating the speech act of advice giving in Egyptian Arabic and American English as L1. The study attempts to find out the effect of the variables of power, distance and imposition on the levels of directness in the expression of oral advice. Two data collection instruments were employed: A role play task, and a multiple choice questionnaire. The results of the study showed the influence of culture on the performance as well as the perception of the speech act of advice giving by both Egyptians and Americans. More specifically, while Americans were found to perceive advice giving as an intrusive and overbearing act, Egyptians considered it an expression of friendliness and a means of providing assistance. These findings support the stereotypical description of Americans as being individualistic and that of Arabs as being collectivistic and group oriented. Although the study showed that caution is devised when giving advice to Americans, it also revealed that giving advice is relatively common among Americans and it can be a means of establishing good relationships and social harmony as in any other cultural context if properly phrased.