• In order to make sense of what is said in an interaction, we have to look at various factors which relate to social distance and closeness.• Some of these factors are established prior to an

interaction and thus are largely external factors.• They typically involve the relative status of the

participants, based on social values such as age and power.

• We take part in a wide range of interactions (mostly with strangers) where the social distance

• determined by external factors is dominant.

• The Interpretation of what is uttered usually goes beyond what was intended to be expressed, and includes evaluations in terms of politeness. Therefore, one can clearly observe that much more is communicated than is said during a sociolinguistic interaction (Yule, 1996).

Brown and Levinson (1978) suggest that a need to be polite is common to all cultures. PARDON ME

PLEASED TO MEET YOU!!!

IN a common sense: Being polite -showing good manners and consideration for other people (e.g. open the door for a lady, give your seat to an elderly person in public transport).

Linguistic politeness: the way people choose to speak and how the hearers react to their speech.

•Brown and Levinson (1978) have concluded that, in order to enter into social relationships, all people must acknowledge the face of other people.

•As a technical term, face means the public self-image of a person. It refers to that emotional and social sense of self that every one has and expects everyone else to recognize.

in an interaction, can be defined as the means employed to show awareness of another person’s face. In this sense, POLITENESS can be accomplished in situations of social distance or closeness.

One way to see the relevance of the relationship between these politeness concepts and language use is to take a single speech event and map out the different interpretations associated with different possible expresions used within that event.

Self= youOther: Person next to

you

• Off RecordEven if you decide to say something, you don´t

actually have to ask for anything.These statements are not directly addressed to the

other. “It´s too cold in here”

• On RecordThese statements are directly addressed the other

as a means of expressing your needs.Bald on record: Directly asked. Mitigating

devices• Close the window Would you?• Lend me a pen Please?