Politeness in Language: A Pragmatic Perspective on Social Communication

Abstract

This study explores politeness in language through a pragmatic lens, focusing on the strategies and contextual factors that shape polite communication in social interactions. Politeness, as a central component of pragmatics, is deeply tied to the social roles, power dynamics, and shared knowledge between communicators. The paper examines various forms of politeness strategies, including direct and indirect speech acts, and their implications in different cultural and situational contexts. Drawing on key theories in pragmatics, such as those proposed by Leech and Searle, the study highlights the importance of context in interpreting and applying politeness in everyday conversations. Furthermore, it addresses how politeness functions not only as a social tool for maintaining harmony but also as a mechanism for navigating power and solidarity within communication. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how language users employ politeness strategies to fulfill communicative goals while adhering to social norms and expectations.