Exploring politeness strategies: A comparative study of speeches of American and Chinese Presidents at UNGA 78th session

Abstract

Politeness is the practical application of good manners or etiquette so as not to offend others and to put them at ease. It is a culturally defined phenomenon, and therefore what is considered polite in one culture can sometimes be quite rude or simply eccentric in another cultural context. Brown and Levinson suggested four different politeness strategies that can help to make successful conversation by avoiding face threatening acts. Aim of the present study was to explore politeness strategies proposed by Brown and Levinson [4] in the speeches of the American and Chinese presidents at UNGA 78th session. The study was a comparative analysis of politeness strategies used by presidents in their speech at UNGA. The study used mixed methods research approach for the detailed analysis and comparison of politeness strategies in the speech. In present study both quantitative and qualitative analysis were used. Both speeches were analysed qualitatively by applying Brown and Levinson theory of politeness. Excel sheets were used to analyse data quantitatively. Findings showed that American president used more politeness strategies as compared to Chinese president. It was also observed that cultural difference was the reason of difference in the use of politeness strategies by American and Chinese president in their speech.