In the following pages, I will investigate the connection between globalization and politeness and will try to divide the influence of globalization into positive and negative aspects, so I am able to make a conclusion at the end. To ensure this, it is necessary to deal with the terms “politeness” and “globalization” first. The term politeness has a long history, which goes back to the 16th century and describes some extent “the quality of being polite” (Eelen, 2001: i).
Automatically terms such as good manners, consideration and sophisticated are associated with it. Consequently, it can be concluded that politeness is “having or showing that one has good manners and consideration for other people” (ibid.). Another explanation describes the standards of behavior with the meaning of speech styles and formality. Here, the maxims of politeness and the face-saving and the face-threatening acts are of great importance. “There are standards of behaviour in any society and in any according to which the speaker is deemed to have spoken politely or not” (Locher, 2004: 60). However, I will not go into the maxims of politeness and the acts because they do not play a major role in the further course of the study work.
A third and final definition of politeness, which may also fits best to the central question, describes politeness as a field of intercultural pragmatics, which has gained extremely importance in recent decades, since “empirical studies have proliferated, examining – individually and cross-culturally – languages and language varieties from around the world” (Hickey & Stewart, 2005: 1). This approach therefore describes the increasing importance of politeness thanks to the global empirical studies on language learning and diversity. A first impression can be found here in what way politeness and globalization fit together.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Globalization, Culture and Politeness
- 3 Formality and indirectness in requests
- 4 Apologies in English and Chinese
- 5 Australian and Taiwanese conception of im/politeness
- 6 Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study investigates the complex relationship between globalization and politeness, analyzing both the positive and negative impacts of globalization on politeness norms. The aim is to determine whether globalization presents an opportunity or a risk to politeness across cultures.
- The definition and historical evolution of politeness
- The multifaceted nature of globalization and its impact on language
- The influence of globalization on politeness norms in service interactions
- The interplay between local and global forces in shaping politeness conventions
- The potential for miscommunication and offense due to conflicting politeness norms
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the study by defining politeness and globalization. It highlights the importance of studying politeness in intercultural pragmatics, emphasizing the potential for misunderstandings arising from cultural differences. The chapter explores various definitions of politeness, ranging from the traditional notions of good manners and consideration to the more contemporary view of politeness within the framework of intercultural pragmatics and its increasing significance due to global empirical studies on language learning and diversity. Finally, it introduces the central research question and outlines the approach taken in the study to investigate the complex relationship between globalization and politeness.
2 Globalization, Culture and Politeness: This chapter delves into the pervasive influence of globalization on language and culture, particularly focusing on the potential homogenization of language under the dominant influence of American English. It discusses the concerns surrounding the spread of English and its potential displacement of local language norms. The chapter uses the example of service interactions in Swedish McDonald's and IKEA restaurants to illustrate how globalization can lead to both the adoption and adaptation of politeness strategies. It emphasizes the complex interplay between global and local forces in shaping politeness conventions, highlighting how businesses might adapt to local norms to prevent offense, while simultaneously influencing politeness norms themselves. The chapter concludes by asserting the importance of considering both local and global factors in understanding the multifaceted nature of politeness in a globalized world.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Politeness, globalization, intercultural pragmatics, language and culture, Americanization, service interactions, local norms, global forces, cross-cultural communication, miscommunication.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall focus of this study?
This study investigates the complex relationship between globalization and politeness, analyzing how globalization impacts politeness norms across cultures. It explores whether globalization poses a risk or an opportunity for politeness in different cultural contexts.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the definition and historical evolution of politeness, the impact of globalization on language and politeness norms (especially in service interactions), the interplay between local and global forces shaping politeness conventions, and the potential for miscommunication due to conflicting politeness norms.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Defines politeness and globalization, highlighting the importance of intercultural pragmatics and introducing the central research question. It explores diverse definitions of politeness, from traditional notions to contemporary perspectives.
Chapter 2 (Globalization, Culture and Politeness): Examines globalization's influence on language and culture, focusing on potential language homogenization and the spread of English. It uses examples from Swedish McDonald's and IKEA to illustrate how globalization affects politeness strategies, highlighting the interplay between global and local forces.
Chapters 3, 4, and 5: These chapters delve into specific aspects of politeness in different cultural contexts, analyzing requests, apologies, and differing conceptions of politeness (e.g., Australian vs. Taiwanese). (Detailed summaries for these chapters are not provided in the preview.)
Chapter 6 (Conclusion): Summarizes the findings and conclusions of the study (details not provided in the preview).
What are the main objectives of this research?
The main objective is to understand the relationship between globalization and politeness norms. The study aims to determine whether globalization fosters or threatens politeness across different cultures and languages, considering both the positive and negative consequences.
What keywords describe the study's content?
Politeness, globalization, intercultural pragmatics, language and culture, Americanization, service interactions, local norms, global forces, cross-cultural communication, miscommunication.
What is the intended audience for this study?
The intended audience appears to be academic researchers and students interested in intercultural communication, pragmatics, and the sociolinguistics of globalization.
Where can I find more detailed information about this study?
This document is a preview and doesn't contain the full study. More comprehensive information would be available in the complete publication.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2015, Politeness and globalization. Chance or risk?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/489454
