I’m Sorry, I’m Not Apologizing, OK? “It struck many Americans as verging on the absurd that the return of the spy
plane crew hinged on protracted negotiations with China over the wording of a
(possible) apology.
If you think the subtle differences among carefully chosen expressions of
remorse are an arcane linguistic quirk of an ancient and hypersensitive exotic
culture, think again. We all play similar linguistic games every day when we
negotiate apologies in English.
The word ‘sorry’ sits right on that fine line between regret and fault.” LA Times