1. Overview of the Politeness Principle
In everyday situations we have to communicate with other people to get information, to gain knowledge about a topic or to reach a variety of goals. To be successful, one has to follow some important strategies. Beside the rule of the language philosopher H.P. Grice, which is called the Cooperative Principle, there exists another concept that served when people are talking. It is called the Politeness Principle which has above all been developed by Leech. In the centre of this concept does not stand the information of a conversation, but the effect of what is said on the people.
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Table of Contents
- 1. Overview of the Politeness Principle
- 2. Theories of the Politeness Principle
- 2.1 Delimiting the politeness concept
- 2.1.1 Deference and politeness
- 2.1.2 Politeness as an utterance level phenomenon
- 2.1.3 Register
- 2.1.4 Politeness as a pragmatic phenomenon
- 2.2 The maxims of the politeness principle
- 2.2.1 The Tact maxim
- 2.2.2 The Generosity Maxim
- 2.2.3 The Approbation Maxim
- 2.2.4 The Modesty Maxim
- 2.2.5 The Agreement Maxim
- 2.1 Delimiting the politeness concept
- 3. The necessity of the Politeness Principle
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the Politeness Principle, a concept in pragmatics that focuses on the impact of language on social interaction. It examines different theoretical perspectives and maxims associated with politeness, analyzing how these principles influence communication.
- The definition and delimitation of the politeness concept, differentiating it from similar notions like deference.
- An examination of the various maxims of the politeness principle, including tact, generosity, approbation, modesty, and agreement.
- The role of context and linguistic form in determining politeness in utterances.
- The pragmatic aspects of politeness and how speakers achieve their communicative goals through politeness strategies.
- The relationship between the Politeness Principle and the Cooperative Principle.
Chapter Summaries
1. Overview of the Politeness Principle: This chapter introduces the fundamental concept of the Politeness Principle, contrasting it with the Cooperative Principle. It highlights that successful communication relies not just on conveying information but also on considering the impact of speech on the listener. The chapter establishes the importance of politeness strategies in everyday interactions to achieve various communicative goals.
2. Theories of the Politeness Principle: This chapter delves into various theories and maxims related to the Politeness Principle. It explores Leech's division of politeness into negative and positive politeness, connecting these to Searle's illocutionary acts. The chapter also critically examines the concept of politeness, distinguishing it from deference and analyzing politeness as both an utterance-level phenomenon and a pragmatic one, influenced by context and speaker-hearer relationships. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the specific maxims explored in subsequent sections.
3. The necessity of the Politeness Principle: [This section is missing from the provided text and therefore cannot be summarized.]
Keywords
Politeness Principle, Cooperative Principle, Pragmatics, Politeness Maxims, Tact, Generosity, Approbation, Modesty, Agreement, Deference, Illocutionary Acts, Context, Utterance, Communication Strategies, Sociolinguistics.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to the Politeness Principle
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the Politeness Principle in pragmatics. It explores the theoretical foundations, maxims, and practical applications of this principle in communication.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The text delves into the definition and delimitation of politeness, differentiating it from similar concepts like deference. It examines the various maxims of the politeness principle (tact, generosity, approbation, modesty, and agreement), analyzing their role in shaping communication. The text also explores the influence of context and linguistic form on politeness, the pragmatic aspects of politeness strategies, and the relationship between the Politeness Principle and the Cooperative Principle.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured into three main chapters: An overview of the Politeness Principle, Theories of the Politeness Principle, and The Necessity of the Politeness Principle. Each chapter provides a detailed examination of specific aspects of the Politeness Principle, building upon the concepts introduced in previous chapters. The text also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords for easy navigation and comprehension.
What are the main concepts discussed in Chapter 1: Overview of the Politeness Principle?
Chapter 1 introduces the core concept of the Politeness Principle, contrasting it with the Cooperative Principle. It emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of speech on the listener for successful communication and highlights the role of politeness strategies in achieving communicative goals.
What are the main concepts discussed in Chapter 2: Theories of the Politeness Principle?
Chapter 2 explores various theories and maxims related to the Politeness Principle. It examines Leech's division of politeness (negative and positive politeness), its connection to Searle's illocutionary acts, and the distinction between politeness and deference. This chapter analyzes politeness as an utterance-level phenomenon and a pragmatic one, influenced by context and speaker-hearer relationships, laying the groundwork for understanding the specific maxims detailed later.
What is covered in Chapter 3: The necessity of the Politeness Principle?
Unfortunately, the provided text is incomplete, and Chapter 3 is missing. Therefore, no summary can be provided for this chapter.
What are the key maxims of the Politeness Principle?
The key maxims of the Politeness Principle discussed are: Tact, Generosity, Approbation, Modesty, and Agreement. Each maxim contributes to the overall goal of maintaining positive social relations through communication.
How does the Politeness Principle relate to the Cooperative Principle?
The text implies a relationship between the Politeness Principle and the Cooperative Principle, suggesting that successful communication depends not only on conveying information clearly (Cooperative Principle) but also on considering the social impact of the message (Politeness Principle). However, the precise nature of this relationship is not fully explored in the provided excerpt.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Politeness Principle, Cooperative Principle, Pragmatics, Politeness Maxims, Tact, Generosity, Approbation, Modesty, Agreement, Deference, Illocutionary Acts, Context, Utterance, Communication Strategies, Sociolinguistics.
- Quote paper
- Christina Martens (Author), 2001, The Politeness Principle, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/2901
