What is Politeness in Pragmatics?
Politeness in pragmatics refers to the study of how language is used to achieve social goals and maintain social relationships. It is a crucial aspect of communication that involves the use of language to convey politeness and respect in interactions. Politeness in pragmatics has been extensively researched and discussed by linguists and communication scholars, aiming to understand the complexities of social interactions and the role of politeness in these contexts.
The concept of politeness in pragmatics is rooted in the work of Leech (1983), who proposed the Politeness Principle. This principle suggests that people tend to be polite in their communication, and that politeness plays a significant role in the way we interact with others. According to Leech, politeness is achieved through the use of various strategies, such as positive politeness, negative politeness, and strategic politeness.
Positive politeness involves flattery, agreement, and approval, while negative politeness involves indirectness, refusal, and disagreement. Strategic politeness, on the other hand, is a combination of both positive and negative politeness, where speakers use a blend of strategies to achieve politeness in their communication.
One of the key aspects of politeness in pragmatics is the distinction between face-saving and face-threatening acts. Face-saving acts are those that enhance the positive image of the interlocutors, while face-threatening acts are those that threaten the positive image of the interlocutors. Politeness strategies are employed to minimize face-threatening acts and maximize face-saving acts in communication.
Another important concept in the study of politeness in pragmatics is the theory of礼貌原则（Politeness Principle），proposed by Brown and Levinson (1978). This theory focuses on the use of politeness strategies to maintain social harmony and avoid face-threatening acts. According to this theory, there are four maxims that speakers should follow to achieve politeness:
1. Tact Maxim: Make your utterance polite.
2. Generosity Maxim: Make your utterance offer benefits.
3. Approbation Maxim: Make your utterance show appreciation.
4. Modesty Maxim: Make your utterance show modesty.
These maxims guide speakers in choosing appropriate politeness strategies in their communication. For instance, when making a request, a speaker might use a positive politeness strategy by expressing gratitude or flattery, or a negative politeness strategy by using indirect language to avoid appearing pushy.
In conclusion, politeness in pragmatics is a complex and multifaceted concept that plays a vital role in social interactions. By understanding the various politeness strategies and principles, we can better navigate the intricacies of communication and maintain harmonious relationships with others. As language users, being aware of the importance of politeness can help us become more effective communicators and contribute to a more respectful and considerate society.
