This assignment is a two-part assignment (Please see details at the end of document). For this assignment you are expected to write a 1000-word essay using the topic given below.
• Your essay should be no less than 800 words and no more than 1000 words.
• Font size should be 12pt, line spacing 1.5.
• You can use the Kroger textbook, Saeed chapter and the Kula and Marten paper as your academic sources, but you also need to find at least ONE other academic sources to use.
• Use the APA referencing system to cite your sources.
• You need to cite all your sources accurately and correctly.
Topic 1: Politeness strategies
Discuss the different politeness strategies used in any language of your choice. In your essay you should (a) define politeness (b) discuss the politeness theory and (c) describe and explain the different politeness strategies and provide examples, where necessary.
Instructions and deadlines:
• There are two submissions associated with this assignment.
o Submission one: The essay plan 17 May at 23:59 (format for the essay plan is given below)
o Submission two: The final essay 24 May at 23:59
Politeness is a fundamental aspect of communication that plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and building positive relationships with others. It involves using language and behavior that shows respect, consideration, and kindness towards others. Different languages and cultures have their own unique ways of expressing politeness, with various politeness strategies being employed to achieve this goal.
The politeness theory, developed by sociolinguists Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson in 1978, provides insights into how politeness functions in communication. According to this theory, politeness is influenced by various factors, including social norms, cultural beliefs, power dynamics, and the relationship between interlocutors. Politeness can be achieved through two main strategies: positive politeness and negative politeness.
Positive politeness involves expressing friendliness, solidarity, and empathy towards others. This strategy is used to show appreciation, build rapport, and create a sense of belonging in the conversation. Examples of positive politeness strategies include using polite forms of address, expressing gratitude, paying compliments, and showing interest in the other person's well-being. For instance, in English, phrases like "please," "thank you," and "I appreciate your help" are commonly used to convey positive politeness.
On the other hand, negative politeness involves respecting others' autonomy, space, and privacy. This strategy is used to avoid imposing on others, intruding into their personal space, or causing discomfort. Examples of negative politeness strategies include using indirect language, asking permission, giving others space to express their opinions, and avoiding controversial topics. In some cultures, indirect speech acts, such as using hints, implications, and understatement, are considered more polite than direct speech acts.
In addition to positive and negative politeness, there are other politeness strategies that can be employed in communication. These include bald on-record strategies, which involve being direct, clear, and concise in communication without using politeness markers. This strategy is commonly used in informal, casual, or authority-based interactions where politeness is not a priority.
Another politeness strategy is off-record strategies, which involve hinting, suggesting, or implying a message indirectly without being explicit. This strategy is used when speakers want to convey a message subtly, avoid confrontation, or maintain harmony in the conversation. For example, instead of directly refusing an invitation, a person might say, "I'm not sure if I can make it" to politely decline without causing offense.
Furthermore, there are politeness strategies that vary across languages and cultures, such as honorifics, speech levels, and etiquette norms. For instance, in Korean culture, using honorifics and speech levels to show respect towards others is considered essential in polite communication. Similarly, in Japanese culture, observing etiquette norms, such as bowing, using polite forms of address, and following hierarchical structures, is crucial for maintaining politeness in interactions.
In conclusion, politeness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that plays a vital role in effective communication. By understanding the different politeness strategies, such as positive politeness, negative politeness, bald on-record, off-record, and culturally-specific strategies, individuals can navigate social interactions, build rapport, and show respect towards others. As language learners and communicators, it is important to be aware of the cultural and linguistic nuances of politeness to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with others.