Politeness is a norm of social behavior that is expressed directly or indirectly by gestures or usage of common or personal expressions, either orally or in writing, showing endearment, respect, veneration; appreciation, esteem; awe; flattery; sycophancy or affection. Politeness may also indicate reservation or dissatisfaction in a way which does not bluntly offend or irritate another person (Brown and Levinson 1987). Thus, direct expression of politeness is the use of the words ‘thank you’ to i…
Politeness(3,929 words)
Cite this page
Avihai Shivtiel, “Politeness”, in: Encyclopedia of Arabic Language and Linguistics, Managing Editors Online Edition: Lutz Edzard, Rudolf de Jong. Consulted online on 04 June 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1570-6699_eall_EALL_SIM_vol3_0107>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004177024, 20090831
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