The study observes negative evaluation regarding relative relationships which are considered a deviation from the norm by Japanese native speakers. The research method used was a combination of DCT and roleplay. As the result of roleplay, top 4 semantic formulae used by the Japanese were criticism, “indirect request for improvement”, “direct request for improvement”, and “confirmation/allusion”. Furthermore, it was found that the higher the degree of deviation, the higher the frequency of using “result of an action”, which is a sub-semantic formula of “indirect request for improvement” and the usage of “direct request for improvement”.

Consequently, the Japanese tend to use the direct on-record strategy that shows their intention of satisfying the norm for assessment and improvement, however, as the result of qualitative analysis of role-play, Japanese native speakers were found to use reference indication to delay the execution of negative evaluation. Meanwhile, the usage of nonverbal elements, like gap and laughing were identified as well. In this study of deviant situations, Japanese native speakers tended to be oriented towards pointing out the deviant action and reducing the degree of FTA at discourse level. Lastly, in the context of “conflict”, the “ compromise” between the “norm” and “personal relationships” in Japanese speakers are observed.