Realization of Positive Politeness Strategies in Language in Terms of the Theory of Brown and Levinson (1987)
Realization of Positive Politeness
Strategies in Language
in Terms of The Theory of Brown and Levinson (1987)
Part one :Theoretical Background
What is Politeness?
We live in a world of language. The use of language is an integral part of our being human. We spend times and times of our lives talking-using language. We talk face to face, over the phone or even in our dreams. Our language is the source of our humanity and power. Yet, how should we use it? Hymes says: “how something is said is part of what is said” (Coulthard, 1985:50). Language is used in social interaction. Jesperson (1942) wrote in his ‘philosophy to grammar’ that ‘the essence of language is human activity’- activity from both speaker and listener (Rankema, 1993: 12). Any human activity can be successful if participants adhere to certain rules and principles. One general principle of collective activity is cooperation. Politeness is one principle related to cooperation (Ibid).Yet, what does it mean?
1. Politeness: Definitions
Politeness is a commonsense term with a considerable history going back to at least the 16th century. Though it can be easily interpreted as “the quality of being polite” i.e. ‘showing or having good manner and consideration for others’, yet associated terms as ‘civility’, ‘courtesy’ or ‘good manners’ may point up various associative connections: ‘civilization’, ‘life at court’ and in the city, or the general quality of having ‘life experience’ (Eelen, 2001: l). The notion of politeness, however, has got lots of interpretations and definitions ranging from a general principle of language use concerning all aspects of interaction, to the use of specific linguistic form and formulae (Ibid). Studies on politeness theories may reveal some of its other meanings as will be stated later. Verschueren (1999:45)mentions that "whilst deference is reserved for expression of respect for people of a higher status, 'politeness
Strategies in Language
in Terms of The Theory of Brown and Levinson (1987)
Part one :Theoretical Background
What is Politeness?
We live in a world of language. The use of language is an integral part of our being human. We spend times and times of our lives talking-using language. We talk face to face, over the phone or even in our dreams. Our language is the source of our humanity and power. Yet, how should we use it? Hymes says: “how something is said is part of what is said” (Coulthard, 1985:50). Language is used in social interaction. Jesperson (1942) wrote in his ‘philosophy to grammar’ that ‘the essence of language is human activity’- activity from both speaker and listener (Rankema, 1993: 12). Any human activity can be successful if participants adhere to certain rules and principles. One general principle of collective activity is cooperation. Politeness is one principle related to cooperation (Ibid).Yet, what does it mean?
1. Politeness: Definitions
Politeness is a commonsense term with a considerable history going back to at least the 16th century. Though it can be easily interpreted as “the quality of being polite” i.e. ‘showing or having good manner and consideration for others’, yet associated terms as ‘civility’, ‘courtesy’ or ‘good manners’ may point up various associative connections: ‘civilization’, ‘life at court’ and in the city, or the general quality of having ‘life experience’ (Eelen, 2001: l). The notion of politeness, however, has got lots of interpretations and definitions ranging from a general principle of language use concerning all aspects of interaction, to the use of specific linguistic form and formulae (Ibid). Studies on politeness theories may reveal some of its other meanings as will be stated later. Verschueren (1999:45)mentions that "whilst deference is reserved for expression of respect for people of a higher status, 'politeness
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