Comparison of How Arabic and English Foreign Language Learners Compliment and Respond to Praises

Researching the speech acts performed between Arabic and English speakers is one of popular trends in pragmatic research. However, majority previous studies have only obtained data from native speakers, or natives who are learning as a foreign language. This study intends to fill research gap comparing giving praise responding made by students studying both their languages. descriptive used two instruments, namely discourse completion task questionnaire consisting twelve scenarios an interview, involving 70 learners UIN Alauddin Makassar which university Indonesia that offers unique Foreign Language Intensification Development (PIBA) program. Results determined dominant strategies awe congratulating, while tend use surprise congratulating strategies. Both language dominantly appreciation reassigning praises response concluded small repertoire strategies, learners’ arsenal much more diverse.