Adding to --- my former comment (understanding the Lesson content better), "sorry" in this first instance, is an attempt to address the situation without taking responsibility for it which is the illocutionary force. The second "sorry" is an attempt to deflect from the dowing of a plane to illegally entering China's airspace - the deflection is the illocutionary force.<br /> "Sorry seems to be the hardest word!" Song by Elton John, 1976 Definitely in diplomatic incidents!!!

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com