Chapter 11

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of discussing the weather in a conversation?

To establish emotional connections (correct)

To provide detailed information

To comment on language usage

To direct someone's actions

Which of the following is incorrectly classified as a speech function?

Phatic

Metalinguistic

Expressive

Illocutionary (correct)

What speech function is exemplified by the request "Could you please open the window?"?

Metalinguistic

Directive (correct)

Poetic

Expressive

Which speech function is concerned with the beauty and artfulness of language?

Poetic Signup and view all the answers

The statement "Hegemony is not a common word" illustrates which speech function?

Metalinguistic Signup and view all the answers

In daily communication, what is the main role of the phrase "Hi, how are you?"?

To create social bonding Signup and view all the answers

Which function is primarily focused on delivering factual information?

Referential Signup and view all the answers

Which speech function does not aim to elicit a response or action from another person?

Referential Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the utterance 'I'm feeling great today' serve?

Expressive Signup and view all the answers

What are directives designed to accomplish?

Attempt to get someone to do something Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered in determining the choice of directive forms?

The speaker's age Signup and view all the answers

In which context are imperatives most likely to be used?

Between people who know each other well or to subordinates Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jason fail to respond appropriately to his teacher's indirect directives?

He hasn't learned to interpret indirect directives yet Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates a directive hinted through a declarative?

'It's cold in here.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'negative politeness'?

Respecting social distance and acknowledging status differences Signup and view all the answers

Using first names when addressing someone exemplifies which type of politeness?

Positive politeness Signup and view all the answers

Phatic communication is best defined as?

Communication focusing on social messages Signup and view all the answers

What complicates learning politeness in a foreign language?

It requires understanding the social and cultural values of the community Signup and view all the answers

In politeness discussions, the term 'solidarity' refers to?

Shared attitudes and values emphasizing closeness Signup and view all the answers

What does Example 20 illustrate regarding address forms in English?

Complexity and variability in address usage based on context Signup and view all the answers

In some cultures, refusing food when first offered is viewed as?

Polite and appropriate Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'bring a plate' in New Zealand culture indicates?

Guests should contribute food to share Signup and view all the answers

Which speech function is focused on expressing the speaker's feelings?

Expressive Signup and view all the answers

In what context is the imperative form 'Sit down' typically considered polite?

Among close friends or from a superior to a subordinate Signup and view all the answers

What does 'positive politeness' emphasize in communication?

Minimizing differences and emphasizing shared attitudes Signup and view all the answers

Using phrases like 'could you' or 'would you' in requests exemplifies which politeness strategy?

Negative politeness strategies Signup and view all the answers

What does addressing someone with a title and their last name typically denote?

A formal relationship indicating respect Signup and view all the answers

Misunderstandings in cross-cultural communication often result from which of the following?

Differing expressions of the same speech acts Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hongi' refer to in Maori culture?

Nose pressing as a greeting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of metalinguistic utterance?

The word 'eloquence' has four syllables. Signup and view all the answers

In a New Zealand childcare setting, which group predominantly used more imperatives?

Older, larger, stronger children Signup and view all the answers

What does phatic communion serve to establish?

Maintenance of social relationships Signup and view all the answers

The directive 'Blackboard!' is an example of what type of communication?

A context-relying minimally explicit form Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'linguistic politeness' refer to?

Discourse strategies that maintain social harmony Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'You make a better door than a window' serves as an example of what?

A hint functioning as a directive Signup and view all the answers

Why might women generally use less direct directives than men?

Because of societal norms associated with politeness and femininity Signup and view all the answers

Which politeness strategy does the nurse employ when she addresses the patient as 'mate'?

Positive politeness by using humor and informal address Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dispensation' in address usage refer to?

Permission from a superior to use a less formal address form Signup and view all the answers

What is considered an appropriate way to politely refuse an invitation in a Western context?

Providing a specific and plausible reason for not attending Signup and view all the answers

What does the variation in greeting routines across cultures illustrate?

Greeting routines are culturally specific and may differ significantly Signup and view all the answers

What cross-cultural communication issue is highlighted by the German professor's farewell?

Variances in norms for closing telephone conversations Signup and view all the answers

Why are directives often expressed indirectly according to the chapter?

To respect social distance and avoid imposition Signup and view all the answers

Which speech act expresses the speaker's personal feelings?

Expressive function that conveys emotions Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor influencing how directives are articulated between different levels of authority?

The relative power and status of the individuals involved Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies a 'positive politeness' strategy?

Highlighting common values while using informal language Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication does 'phatic communication' best illustrate?

Common greetings such as 'Good morning' or 'How are you?' Signup and view all the answers

In the exchange between Mischa and Jake, what aspect of directives among children is highlighted?

The effectiveness of threats in ensuring compliance Signup and view all the answers

How can the perception of imperatives vary according to the context?

Factors like tone and context shape its reception Signup and view all the answers

In cultures where direct refusals are seen as impolite, what is commonly adopted when declining an offer?

Offering indirect reasons or softening the refusal Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is often used to politely decline an offer in cultures where direct refusals are considered impolite?

Using indirect language or excuses Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech function is demonstrated by the phrase, 'I promise to finish the report by Friday'?

Commissive Signup and view all the answers

When determining how to address someone, what factor is prioritized first according to the hierarchy of address forms?

The addressee's age Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements exemplifies a metalinguistic function of language?

This sentence is grammatically correct. Signup and view all the answers

What was found regarding the use of directives among male migrant agricultural workers?

They frequently employed imperatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in politeness norms between Western and Eastern societies?

Eastern societies emphasize status differences. Signup and view all the answers

In contemporary Western address usage, what dimension is increasingly prioritized?

Solidarity (social distance) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'I was wondering if you might be able to help me' serves as what type of speech act?

An indirect request showing negative politeness Signup and view all the answers

Why might an exchange that seems direct to one culture seem blunt to another?

It lacks sufficient softening language. Signup and view all the answers

In Javanese speech, how is politeness typically signaled?

Selecting appropriate levels of speech based on status Signup and view all the answers

The concept of cross-cultural communication primarily refers to interactions that involve:

Participants from distinct cultural backgrounds. Signup and view all the answers

In Western societies, how is the use of vague reasons to decline an invitation usually perceived?

It's seen as evasive and potentially impolite. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary social function of greetings across different cultures?

To establish a non-threatening connection and rapport. Signup and view all the answers

Which speech function is mostly associated with making requests or giving commands?

Directive Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the directive function in speech acts?

To make commands or requests Signup and view all the answers

Which speech act is exemplified by the utterance "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"?

Poetic function Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by getting the linguistic expression of social distance right?

Choosing language that reflects relationships appropriately Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a polite strategy when refusing an offer according to many cultures?

Offering a specific and truthful excuse Signup and view all the answers

What can change during a conversation regarding politeness levels?

They can evolve based on social relationships Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cross-cultural communication often leads to misunderstandings?

Different interpretations of nonverbal behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an expressive utterance?

I love this song! Signup and view all the answers

Why is a pre-closing formula important in Western phone conversations?

To allow for a smooth transition out of the conversation Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech acts are categorized as 'commissives'?

Acts that commit the speaker to future actions Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for understanding and using politeness strategies effectively?

Cultural and social knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What misunderstanding does Christina's interaction with her sister-in-law illustrate?

Different cultural norms regarding etiquette Signup and view all the answers

What cultural difference regarding meal etiquette is commonly expected?

Refusing food initially to show politeness Signup and view all the answers

What caused Rebecca's embarrassment related to the phrase 'bring a plate'?

She misunderstood and only brought empty plates Signup and view all the answers

What does silence during a meeting sometimes indicate in certain cultures?

Ominous problems or disagreement Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of understanding cultural norms in communication?

To avoid misunderstandings and unintended offense Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates positive politeness from negative politeness?

Positive politeness emphasizes closeness, negative politeness emphasizes respect for distance Signup and view all the answers

When a person hints at needing action without making a direct request, this is an example of which type of utterance?

An indirect directive through a hint Signup and view all the answers

What is one way impoliteness can be indicated in an interaction?

By the use of sarcasm and abrupt conversation endings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge in learning how to be polite in another language?

Understanding cultural context and social values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes metalinguistic utterances?

Utterances that provide language commentary Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'San Antonio, sans delay' exemplifies which functions?

Poetic and directive Signup and view all the answers

In politeness theory, 'face' refers to:

The public self-image each individual strives to maintain Signup and view all the answers

When addressing an older individual in many cultures, what common politeness strategy is employed?

Using honorifics or titles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not part of the traditional Maori ritual of encounter?

Business negotiations and exchanges Signup and view all the answers

In modern Western societies, which factor can sometimes override social status in terms of address forms?

Relative age Signup and view all the answers

How might speech functions like greetings vary across cultures?

By incorporating varying degrees of formality and expression Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of communication do different cultural expectations regarding greetings emphasize?

They reflect unique cultural norms and expectations Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial when selecting an appropriate term of address?

How familiar you are with the person Signup and view all the answers

Which gender typically experiences less direct forms of directives?

Women Signup and view all the answers

How does intonation affect directives in communication?

It impacts the level of politeness perceived Signup and view all the answers

In speech act theory, what type of speech act is represented by marriage vows?

Performatives or declarations Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the strategy of negative politeness?

Indirect, respectful requests Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone find another person's behavior rude despite no malicious intent?

They are unfamiliar with cultural norms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates a sociolinguistic assumption made during conversation?

Interpreting questions as offers to help Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake when learning politeness norms of another culture?

Misapplying one's own cultural norms Signup and view all the answers

What does mutual use of titles and last names signify in specific interpersonal contexts?

Formality and mutual respect Signup and view all the answers

In New Zealand, the phrase 'Ladies a plate, gentlemen a crate' historically indicated what expectation?

Women are to bring food while men bring beverages Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sociolinguistics does acceptable family dinner table topics highlight?

Cultural norms influencing conversational topics Signup and view all the answers

What reflects culturally based politeness conventions when guests wait to be told where to sit?

Respect for the host's directives Signup and view all the answers

Which dimensions of social relationships must one understand to navigate politeness effectively?

Cultural expectations and hierarchies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Speech Functions

Phatic Function - The primary function of the initial exchange about the weather in Example 1 serves a phatic function, which expresses solidarity and empathy rather than conveying information.
Directive Function - An utterance like "Could you please open the window?" serves primarily as a directive function, attempting to get someone to do something.
Poetic Function - The poetic function focuses on the aesthetic features of language, such as in poetry, slogans, or rhymes.
Metalinguistic Function - Saying "Hegemony is not a common word" is an example of the metalinguistic function, which comments on language itself.
Referential Function - The referential function is focused on conveying information.
Expressive Function - The utterance "I'm feeling great today" primarily serves the expressive function, as it expresses the speaker's feelings.

Directives

Factors Influencing Directive Forms - Social distance between participants, relative status of participants, and formality of the context influence choice of directive forms.
Imperatives - Imperatives are more likely to be used between people who know each other well or to subordinates but not by subordinates to superiors.
Indirect Directives - A declarative utterance like "It's cold in here" can be interpreted as a hint to close the window, acting as an indirect directive.

Politeness

Negative Politeness - Negative politeness involves paying respect and avoiding intrusion, acknowledging social distance and status differences.
Positive Politeness - Using first names in addressing someone is generally considered an example of positive politeness, minimizing social distance and expressing solidarity.
Solidarity - Shared attitudes and values emphasizing closeness contribute to a sense of solidarity.
Address Forms - Example 20 highlights the complexity and variability in address usage based on context.
Cross-Cultural Politeness - Different cultures have varying norms and ways of expressing speech functions, which can lead to misunderstandings.

Cultural Variations in Communication

Food Refusal - Refusing food initially can be polite in some cultures, such as parts of India and Taiwan.
"Bring a Plate" - In New Zealand culture, "Bring a plate" means guests should bring food to share.
Maori Greeting Ritual - The "hongi" is the pressing of noses between hosts and visitors in a formal Maori greeting.
Phone Calls - Different cultures have different norms for closing telephone conversations, as shown in the example of the German professor's farewell.

Key Concepts

Linguistic Politeness - Linguistic politeness refers to the use of discourse strategies to maintain social harmony.
Phatic Communion - Phatic communion describes utterances that serve a social function of maintaining relationships rather than providing information.
Threats in Directives - Even young children understand that threats can be more effective than direct directives in some situations.
Imperatives and Context - Imperatives can be interpreted differently based on the context, status of speaker and listener, and level of formality.
Positive Politeness Strategies - Positive politeness strategies aim to emphasize shared values and minimize social distance, often through informal language, expressions of friendliness, and humor.
Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings - Misunderstandings can arise in cross-cultural communication because different cultures express the same speech acts differently.

Imperatives & Politeness

Imperatives are commands or requests, but they can be received differently based on tone, intonation, and context.
While some cultures consider direct refusals impolite, using indirect language or excuses is often preferred to avoid offense.

Speech Function

Commissives are speech acts that commit the speaker to future actions, such as promises, vows, or threats.
Directives are used to attempt to get someone to do something, such as commands or requests.
Metalinguistic utterances comment on language itself, referring to grammar or vocabulary.
Expressive utterances express the speaker's feelings or emotions.
Poetic speech functions focus on the aesthetic features of language.

Address Forms

When determining how to address someone, the first factor to consider is whether they are a child or an adult.
In modern Western societies, solidarity (social distance) tends to be more important than status in determining address forms.
Age can override social status, with adults using first names to younger people.
In many cultures, using honorifics or titles when addressing older people shows respect.

Politeness Strategies

Positive politeness emphasizes solidarity and minimizes social distance.
Negative politeness recognizes and respects social distance and status differences.
Using indirect language or hints can be a way to minimize imposition and appear polite.
Providing specific and truthful excuses when refusing an offer or invitation is considered polite in many cultures.
Silence can be interpreted differently across cultures. It can convey agreement, disagreement, or respect.

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences in politeness strategies often stem from different emphases on status vs. solidarity.
In some cultures, silence after a proposal can be interpreted as a bad sign, indicating problems or disagreement.
Nonverbal behaviors, such as eye contact and posture, can have different meanings across cultures which can cause misunderstanding.
Cultural norms for expressing speech functions vary across cultures.

Understanding Cultural Norms

Understanding cultural norms is crucial in cross-cultural communication to avoid misunderstandings and unintended offense.
Learning to be polite in another language involves understanding the cultural context and social values behind politeness strategies.
It is essential to understand the different interpretations of "face" in different cultures.
Greeting rituals and customs are deeply rooted in culture and can vary significantly.

Specific Examples

The chapter mentions "bring a plate" as an example of a phrase with a culturally specific meaning.
The traditional Maori greeting includes stages such as the Karanga (call of welcome), Whaikoorero (speeches), and Wero (challenge).
The study of directives among male migrant agricultural workers found that they primarily used imperatives regardless of context.

Key Findings

Politeness is a complex concept influenced by cultural norms, social values, and individual perceptions.
Effective communication across cultures requires understanding the nuances of language use and social expectations.
Politeness strategies can evolve during a conversation, reflecting changes in social relationships.
Learning another language involves understanding the cultural context and social values behind politeness strategies.### Speech Acts
Marriage vows are classified as performatives or declarations because saying the words completes the action.