Just out of curiosity

[pearl]

Under questioning what is the difference between stating 'I don't remember' and 'I don't recall?'

 

[ADigitalArtist]

I think most people use the two terms interchangeably in common parlance. You'll find recall and recollect a synonym of remember in most English dictionaries. But there is some semantical differences if people really want to delve into things like etymology and specific use. 'Recollect' vs. 'Remember' vs. 'Recall'

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Under questioning what is the difference between stating 'I don't remember' and 'I don't recall?'

It's the same meaning. The closest difference I can think of is how recent the event is that one can't remember or recall.

For example, if John conversed with Jane and an hour later after she leaves, John's friend says "Didn't Jane say she was going to the store just a moment ago?" and John says, "no. I don't recall she said that. I was just talking with her."

Compared to if John's friend asked, "didn't you ask Jane out on a date five years ago." John says, "no. I don't remember."

It's not a hardfast rule. They're used interchangeably.

 

[Nakosis]

Under questioning what is the difference between stating 'I don't remember' and 'I don't recall?'

Informally, I'd use I don't remember. Formally, like if being questioned, I'd use I don't recall.
I don't know why. It seems a lot less personal accountability by saying I don't recall. More finality to saying I don't recall as an answer to a question.

I don't remember kind of invites additional inquiries that could maybe bring up the memory.

 

[Nimos]

Under questioning what is the difference between stating 'I don't remember' and 'I don't recall?'

This is almost to easy.... I don't remember

 

[WalterTrull]

You say "I don't recall" when the lawyer says "Did you shoot Clyde?"

 

[Twilight Hue]

Under questioning what is the difference between stating 'I don't remember' and 'I don't recall?'

Well I could say I don't remember what I had for supper at the age of 4 on this particular day, I don't recall what I had last week either, but what I had last week might very well come back to me.

 

[BSM1]

If asked, "Did you talk to the victim after your first phone conversation?"
You might say, "I don't remember" and get by with it.
However, if asked "Did you talk to the victim after your first phone conversation?" and you say "Absolutely not!", then you might be asked, "How can you be so certain?".
"simple," you answer, "I don't recall."
Hahaha (sorry, I couldn't help myself).

 

[Brickjectivity]

'Remember' feels more personal. Its a childhood word. It also feels like its a comment about ones self and one's own capability. 'Recall' feels like a comment about the thing being remembered -- as if it is not our own fault that we do not remember. Grammatically they are identical.

 

[pearl]

Thanks for the replies. The question came up concerning a news item where one was advised to use the term recall when questioned during a legal hearing.

I don't remember kind of invites additional inquiries that could maybe bring up the memory.

 

[GameChanger]

I'm guessing there's a psychiatric component that could be at play here regarding the way that memory functions. A component that I don't really understand.