Mr. Smith: Do you know what to do for homework?
Mohammed: Yes, I think so.
Mr. Smith: So you understand how to do it?
Mohammed: Yes, sir.
Mr. Smith: Ok, great, I look forward to seeing your answers tomorrow.
Mohammed: Yes, thank you.
In this conversation, Mohammed replied "yes, thank you" when a thank you was not needed. Although it may not be considered too alarming because it is a statement of politeness, it doesn't quite fit with the conversation. Generally, students do not say thank you to a teacher getting ready to see answers. Mohammed is probably thinking that Mr. Smith has done some additional work to ask if he understands the work and requires a polite thank you. Mr. Smith may not think this too out of place and may just disregard it. Mohammed also includes "sir" which may seem out of the ordinary, and could be a cultural factor where those who are older are highly respected and referred to as "sir" and "ma'am."
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