Speech Functions and Politeness
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Questions and Answers

Which speech function primarily aims to establish social interaction?

  • Phatic (correct)
  • Directive
  • Metalinguistic
  • Expressive

What type of speech function is used when a speaker expresses their feelings?

  • Expressive (correct)
  • Referential
  • Commissives
  • Directive

Which of the following best defines directives?

  • Utterances that provide information
  • Utterances that focus on aesthetic features of language
  • Utterances that comment on language itself
  • Utterances aimed at getting someone to do something (correct)

What determines the form of a directive in communication?

<p>Social factors such as distance and status (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which speech function is exemplified by marriage vows or declarations of war?

<p>Performative (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do imperatives function differently between friends and superiors?

<p>Close friends use more imperatives compared to superiors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a function of speech described in the content?

<p>Aesthetic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is common about the directive function regarding formal situations?

<p>They often require a softening strategy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do male doctors typically express directives compared to female doctors?

<p>They commonly use imperatives. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor can influence the way directives are expressed in communication?

<p>The social status of the addressee. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context might all directives be expressed as imperatives, according to the content?

<p>Among lower-class male migrant workers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is politeness considered complex in communication?

<p>It requires knowledge of cultural and social norms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of using inappropriate linguistic choices?

<p>Being perceived as rude. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the macro-level social categories that can be constructed through linguistic features?

<p>Social class identification. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of address is often used to reflect politeness in social interactions?

<p>Proper titles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of identity construction can influence the way language is used?

<p>The social role and setting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic primarily defines positive politeness?

<p>It is oriented towards solidarity or rapport. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of address forms in Britain, what is typically used in transactional relationships?

<p>Mutual TLN is preferred. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do adults typically address children in terms of formality?

<p>By addressing them with FN. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The usage of familiarizers like 'mate' or 'dude' depends on what factor?

<p>The relationship context. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the changes in norms of address usage over time?

<p>There has been a shift towards more emphasis on solidarity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In many Asian societies, what remains a significant factor in terms of politeness?

<p>Status differences are still recognized. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of greeting in Māori culture?

<p>A complex ritual with rules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which relationship dynamics create a conflict in norms as outlined?

<p>High status with high solidarity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common issue can arise due to different norms and expectations of politeness?

<p>Unintentional offense to others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which culture is it considered impolite to accept food on the first offer?

<p>Parts of India (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant characteristic of social interactions in the UK regarding polite refusals?

<p>Specific reasons are typically given (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which social factors might influence the choice of language when asking someone to remain silent?

<p>Social distance, relative status, and formality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of positively polite behavior across many cultures?

<p>Accepting food only after several offers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of privacy manifest in countries like Britain and New Zealand when it comes to social interactions?

<p>Social interactions are more open and detailed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cultural context is essential to understand when engaging in cross-cultural communication?

<p>Cultural and social norms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not understanding the cultural context during social interactions?

<p>Increased likelihood of misunderstandings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Expressive function of speech

Utterances used to express the speaker's personal feelings, opinions, or beliefs.

Directive function of speech

Utterances aimed at getting someone to perform an action.

Referential function of speech

Utterances that focus on providing information and factual statements.

Metalinguistic function of speech

Utterances that comment on language itself, how it works, or its structure.

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Phatic function of speech

Utterances that establish and maintain social connections and rapport between people.

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Imperative directive

A type of directive that uses a direct order or command, often in the imperative form.

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Interrogative directive

A type of directive that uses a question form to indirectly request or suggest something.

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Declarative directive

A type of directive that uses a statement to indirectly ask or suggest something.

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Positive politeness

Based on shared attitudes and values, aiming to build rapport and solidarity.

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Negative politeness

Focuses on social distance and power relations, respecting status differences.

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Address Forms

Forms of addressing individuals based on their social relationships, age, and status.

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Mutual TLN

Mutual use of formal titles, like "Mrs. Landy" and "Mr. Duncan", indicating politeness and distance between individuals.

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Mutual FN

Situations where individuals use first names (FN) to address each other, indicating a shared sense of familiarity and closeness.

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Familiarizers

The use of informal terms of endearment like "mate," "dude," "love," etc. to express closeness and camaraderie.

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Status-based Address

The practice of using TLN when addressing someone of higher status and FN for someone of lower status.

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Conflict of Norms

A conflict where norms of politeness based on status clash with norms based on familiarity.

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Politeness in directives

Directives are more polite and less direct when the speaker wants to be considerate. This approach is often used in situations where the speaker wants to avoid creating social tension or coming across as too forceful. For example, a boss might ask a subordinate to "take a look at that report" rather than telling them to "do the report."

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Indirect directive

Directives expressed in the form of a question or suggestion. This softens the imperative nature of a request, making it less direct and less likely to cause offense. For example, "Could you please pass the salt?" is more polite than "Pass the salt."

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Using "we" in directives

The use of "we" instead of "you" can help to create a sense of shared responsibility or solidarity. This is especially helpful in situations where the speaker has a position of power, as it can help to reduce the distance between them and the person being addressed. Example: "Let's look at this matter together" rather than "Analyze this matter."

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Power and directives

When people are in a situation of power imbalance, they often use more direct directives to maintain control. For example, a soldier might give a direct order to a subordinate. When people are more equal, they may use more indirect directives, perhaps asking for opinions or suggestions.

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Cultural impact on politeness

Politeness is complex because it is affected by culture and social context. What is considered polite in one culture might be considered rude in another. For example, calling someone by their first name may be polite in some cultures, but rude in others.

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Phatic function

The "phatic" communication function is about creating and maintaining social connection, not necessarily conveying information. It's like saying, "Hello, how are you?" It's more about showing you're friendly than getting information. Greetings are a good example.

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Identity construction in communication

Our social roles and situations affect how we interact with others. For instance, talking to your best friend will be very different than talking to your boss. In different situations, you might use different language and be more or less direct. This is "identity construction" - how we communicate who we are and how we want to be perceived.

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Online identity construction

Online, we may create a different version of ourselves. It's how we choose to present ourselves in this virtual space. For instance, someone may be very outgoing online but shy in real life. Online, our identity can be more carefully crafted. This is a key difference compared to face-to-face communication.

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Cultural Context and Meaning

The understanding that the meaning of words can vary depending on the cultural context.

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Linguistic Politeness

The way polite behavior is expressed through language, which can vary significantly between cultures.

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Sociolinguistic Norms for Acceptance/Refusal

Specific cultural rules about how to accept or decline offers, often involving indirectness or multiple offers.

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Greeting's Affective Function

A greeting's role in establishing friendly and non-threatening social contact.

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Culture-Specific Greetings

The specific rules and rituals surrounding greetings, which can vary greatly between cultures.

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Factors Affecting Directives for Silence

The way social factors influence the choice of words and tone when telling someone to be quiet.

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Cross-Cultural Communication

The ability to understand and navigate the cultural nuances of language, crucial for effective communication.

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Misunderstandings in Cross-Cultural Communication

Misunderstandings arising from different cultural assumptions about what is considered “normal” behavior.

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Study Notes

Speech Functions, Politeness, and Cross-Cultural Communication

  • Speech functions encompass various categories relating to expression, direction, reference, and more.

  • Greetings can function as summons or establish interaction levels.

  • Expressive utterances convey speaker feelings.

  • Directive utterances aim to influence others.

  • Referential utterances provide information.

  • Metalinguistic utterances comment on language itself.

  • Poetic utterances highlight aesthetic language features.

  • Phatic utterances build solidarity, rapport, and empathy.

  • Directives - verbal requests or commands.

    • Vary in strength, from suggestions to commands.
    • Expressed as imperatives or interrogatives/declaratives.
    • Politeness varies with social factors like distance, status, and context.
    • Gender and age may affect directive choice.

  • Directives, as a functional category, include varied strength.

  • Identity Construction is influenced by social settings, roles, goals, responses to others, macro social categories, linguistic features, interactional elements, and local identity categories.

  • Identity construction differs online.

Politeness and Address Forms

  • Politeness is complex, involving understanding language, social, and cultural factors.

  • Politeness contributes to harmony and avoids conflict.

  • Summons initiate interactions when someone needs attention.

  • Greetings can have a phatic function.

  • Linguistic devices and discourse strategies display politeness.

  • 2 types of politeness

    • Positive Politeness: emphasizes solidarity and shared attitudes/values.
    • Negative Politeness: emphasizes social distance and power relations.

  • Address forms in different contexts reflect different power structures and social norms.

  • In British contexts, mutual use of TLN is common amongst equals, while downwards, there is a greater respect to superiors with TLN or kin terms being used.

  • In some cultures, using first names (FN) might be a sign of rapport or familiarity for people who are not so close. However, this may be deemed impolite in some cultures.

Linguistic Politeness in Different Cultures

  • Cross-cultural communication involves understanding different cultural assumptions.

  • Different cultures have different speech norms related to appropriate topics in conversations.

  • Certain topics might be considered taboo or unsuitable to discuss in some cultures.

  • In some cultures, a degree of vagueness in communication is less frowned upon, compared to others where directness and clarity are prioritized in conversations.

  • Sociolinguistic norms affect polite acceptance and refusal of things like offers of food.

  • Greetings are culture-specific rituals with varying degrees of formality.

  • Complex procedures can govern elements of greetings.

  • Addressing superiors or those in positions of higher authority should be done with politeness and respect.

  • Norms of address usage can change through time.

  • Status and solidarity are important considerations for communication.

Homework

  • Complete Class Discussion tasks.
  • Read Chapter 12.

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Chapter 11: Speech Functions, Politeness, and Cross-Cultural Communication PDF

Description

This quiz explores various speech functions and their significance in cross-cultural communication. It delves into how different utterances serve distinct purposes and the impact of social factors on politeness. Understand the nuances of identity construction through language and social context.

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