Ecopragmatic Dimension of Politeness Strategies in Contemporary Discourse Studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31548/philolog2019.03.080Abstract
Abstract. The article explores eco-pragmatic strategies of politeness, conditioned on the one hand by the maxims of successful cooperation, developed by H. P. Grice, which regulate formal components of the message; and, on the other hand, by the principle of politeness (by G. Leech), which considers the moral and ethical component of the message.
Ecopragmatic strategies are defined as strategies aimed at harmonizing relationships between individuals and all subjects from environment. The study has highlighted and analyzed eco-pragmatic strategies of tact, generosity, approval, modesty, consent and sympathy aimed at creating comfortable conditions of communication, minimizing inconvenience and communicative dominance; positive attitude and praising others; objective self-esteem; avoidance of conflict situations and so on.
Scientific research of effective communication, where the principles of politeness have gained particular weight, has given impetus to the development by Penelope Brown and Steven Levinson in 1987 the theory of politeness. The main thesis of this theory is the statement that politeness is one of the basic needs of the individual, which is realized through appropriate strategies, the choice of which is determined by the threat of losing the “face”. Polite communicative behavior involves saving the interlocutors’ “face” through softening or avoidance of “face threatening” acts.
Taking into account further research of the politeness theory by P. Brown and S. Levinson as well as their followers’, R. and S. Scollon, eco-pragmatic strategies of involvement and distancing (or independence) were also defined. Involvement strategies are implemented through: addressing the listener by name; exaggeration of interest, approval, sympathy, etc.); inclusive attributes of belonging to a common group; expressing a common point of view; optimistic attitude; a hint or demonstration of reciprocity. Distancing is manifested by such discursive means as using minimum assumptions, providing the choice to the hearer, addressing by name and patronymic, apologizing, keeping silence, using common language or dialect, and so on.
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