Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika –
Зарубежная лингвистика и
лингводидактика – Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The principle of politeness in speech communication
Shakhnoza ABDUJALILOVA
1
, Nilufar FAYZIYEVA
2
University of Exact and Social Sciences
National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulug‘bek
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received November 2024
Received in revised form
10 December 2024
Accepted 25 December 2024
Available online
25 January 2025
The principle of politeness in speech communication refers
to the strategies and behaviors individuals use to show respect,
consideration, and deference to others during interactions. It
involves adapting language and communication styles to avoid
conflict, maintain social harmony, and acknowledge the "face"
(or self-image) of others. Politeness is essential in both verbal
and nonverbal communication, as it helps manage the social
dynamics of conversations. The principle is based on the idea
that people strive to preserve their dignity (positive face) and
avoid embarrassment or imposition (negative face). Key
components of politeness include indirectness, mitigation,
hedging, and the use of formal or deferential language, all of
which vary across cultures and contexts.
2181-3701/© 2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol3-iss1
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
politeness,
speech communication,
social harmony,
face (positive and negative),
verbal communication,
nonverbal communication,
indirectness,
mitigation,
hedging,
cultural differences,
respect,
social dynamics.
Nutq muloqotdagi xushmuomalalik tamoyili
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar:
xushmuomalalik,
nutq aloqasi,
ijtimoiy uyg‘unlik,
yuz (ijobiy va salbiy),
og‘zaki muloqot,
og‘zaki bo‘lmagan muloqot,
bilvositalik,
yumshatish,
himoya qilish,
Nutq muloqotidagi xushmuomalalik tamoyili odamlarning
o‘zaro munosabatlarda boshqalarga hurmat, e’tibor va hurmat
ko‘rsatish uchun foydalanadigan strategiyalari va xatti-
harakatlarini anglatadi. Bu mojarolardan qochish, ijtimoiy
uyg‘unlikni saqlash va boshqalarning yuzini yoki o‘zini
o‘zi imijini tan olish uchun til va muloqot uslublarini
moslashtirishni o‘z ichiga oladi. Muloyimlik og‘zaki va og‘zaki
bo‘lmagan muloqotda hal qiluvchi ahamiyatga ega, chunki u
1
Master’s degree student, English Linguistic Department, University of Exact and Social Sciences.
E-mail: shaxnoza866@mail.ru
2
Scientific adviser. PhD in Philology, Acting Associate Professor, English Linguistics Department, National
University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulug‘bek, Tashkent. E-mail: lily_angel94@mail.ru
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
221
madaniy farqlar,
hurmat,
ijtimoiy dinamika.
suhbatlarning ijtimoiy dinamikasini boshqarishga yordam
beradi. Prinsip odamlarning o‘z qadr-qimmatini (ijobiy yuz)
saqlab
qolish
va
sharmandalik
yoki
noqulaylikdan
(salbiy yuz) qochish istagi borligini tushunishga asoslanadi.
Xushmuomalalikning asosiy tarkibiy qismlariga bilvositalik,
yumshatish, himoya qilish va rasmiy yoki hurmatli tildan
foydalanish kiradi, ularning barchasi madaniyatlar va
kontekstlarda farqlanadi.
Принцип вежливости в речевом общении
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
вежливость,
речевое общение,
социальная гармония,
лицо (позитивное и
негативное),
вербальное общение,
невербальное общение,
косвенность,
смягчение,
хеджирование,
культурные различия,
уважение,
социальная динамика.
Принцип вежливости в речевом общении относится к
стратегиям и поведению, которые люди используют для
проявления уважения, внимания и почтения к другим во
время взаимодействия. Он включает в себя адаптацию
языка и стилей общения, чтобы избегать конфликтов,
поддерживать социальную гармонию и признавать лицо
или образ себя других. Вежливость имеет решающее
значение как в вербальном, так и в невербальном общении,
поскольку она помогает управлять социальной динамикой
разговоров. Принцип основан на понимании того, что люди
хотят сохранить собственное достоинство (позитивное
лицо) и избежать смущения или дискомфорта (негативное
лицо). Ключевые компоненты вежливости включают в себя
косвенность, смягчение, хеджирование и использование
формального или почтительного языка, все из которых
различаются в разных культурах и контекстах.
INTRODUCTION
The principle of politeness in speech communication is an essential aspect of
human interaction, guiding how individuals navigate social exchanges in a manner that
fosters respect, cooperation, and understanding. At the core of this principle is the
concept of "face," a term used to describe the social value or self-image that individuals
seek to maintain in interactions. Politeness strategies are employed to protect both one's
face and the face of others, ensuring that communication is conducted in a way that
minimizes offense and preserves social harmony. These strategies manifest in both
verbal and nonverbal communication, influencing how people structure their sentences,
choose words, and use gestures or expressions to convey consideration and deference.
The need for politeness is universal, yet how it is expressed can vary significantly across
cultures and contexts. By understanding the role of politeness in communication, we can
better navigate social interactions, reduce misunderstandings, and promote more
effective and empathetic exchanges in diverse settings. [1]
DISCUSSION AND RESULTS
In social communication, people need to be aware of others' faces and expressions
to maintain relationships while considering their feelings. To preserve a person's face,
individuals must use politeness and good manners.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
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Speech is the process through which humans use language to internalize social-
historical experiences, transmit knowledge to future generations, establish
communication, and plan and execute personal actions. It involves the transmission of
information, news, data, and new knowledge, as well as solving intellectual tasks.
If language serves as a means of communication, speech is the actualization of these
communication processes. [2]
The stages of speech development are as follows:
1) from 2 to 11 months;
2) from 11 to 19 months;
3) from 19 months to 3 years old.
Speech can be categorized as verbal and non-verbal. Non-verbal speech includes
various forms like gestures, facial expressions, pantomime, exological, signification, and
dactylology (finger language). Verbal speech can be oral, written, monologic, dialogic,
polylogic, external, internal, expressive, impressive, laconic (concise), epic (expanded),
and affective.
Written speech refers to a type of speech that transforms content into information
in a continuous, gradual manner, based on the rules of language (orthographic, phonetic,
morphological, syntactic, orthophonic, linguistic, flexive, etc.). Oral speech, on the other
hand, is a type of speech that incorporates elements such as pauses, logical stress, tempo,
timbre, frequency, rhythm, and other organizational components, relying on the linguistic
rules as conditional symbols. Oral speech is characterized by its expressiveness,
influence, ease of receiving and transmitting information, conciseness, and ability to
prevent confusion. Written speech plays a vital role in conveying the cultural, intellectual,
scientific, and artistic achievements of a nation, as well as in establishing intercultural
communication. [3]
Speech culture is the manifestation of speech by the norms of literary language,
grounded in the principles of logic. It is a unique form of communication and thinking
that helps individuals exchange ideas. The primary feature of speech culture is the ability
to express ideas clearly, logically, and effectively, making them scientific, meaningful,
precise, fluent, and aesthetically appealing. To achieve this, speech must comply with the
rules of the literary language. Speech culture is reflected in the communication of
individuals such as public speakers, educators, politicians, journalists, and others. The
higher the intellectual level of individuals and the cultural wealth of the nation, the more
developed the speech culture becomes. It involves using the Uzbek language's richness
effectively in speeches, lectures, conversations, debates, and discussions while
incorporating wisdom, proverbs, and sayings at appropriate times. Attention is also given
to making the speech concise, clear, profound, and comprehensive, summarizing points
at the end of speeches or discussions, and engaging in respectful debates when necessary.
The theory of speech culture places particular importance on the norms of
language. Its primary objective is to influence social language practices by studying the
objective norms of language, their established forms, contradictions, and principles.
Modern speech culture is both a theoretical and practical field that draws on the
achievements and conclusions of literary history, grammar, stylistics, and linguistics to
influence language practices. In speech culture theory, the literary language is recognized
as the highest form of a national language and strengthens the culture and traditions of a
people through its finest examples. Speech culture evolves in parallel with the
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
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development of society, science, technology, and culture. As the cultural level of society
rises, speech becomes more polished, refined, and aligned with the norms of speech
culture. Literature, art, radio, TV, and the press play crucial roles in shaping speech
culture. Additionally, lexicography, including explanatory, orthographic, pronunciation,
and other specialized dictionaries, is instrumental in advancing the theory of speech
culture.
The development of speech culture in Uzbek literature dates back to the 15th
century. Figures like Alisher Navoi, Bobur, Gulkhani, Nodira, Ogahiy, Furqat, and Muqimiy
contributed significantly to the speech culture of their time. Proverbs and wise sayings
such as "Good words are the food of the soul," "Even if you don't have wheat bread, let
your words be like wheat," "Speak thoughtfully even if you joke," and "Feeding the one
who approaches you is the work of an animal, speaking whatever comes to mind is the
work of a fool" reflect the longstanding emphasis on speech culture in Uzbek society.
Speech etiquette refers to the set of communication rules, principles, and forms
related to social interaction, serving as a synonym for the culture of interaction. It
involves positive communication practices, seeking resolution of conflicts, reaching
agreements, and adhering to cultural norms. Disregarding speech etiquette can lead to
misunderstandings, disputes, and interpersonal conflicts. In professional communication,
it is essential to objectively assess issues, analyze situations impartially, and respect the
rights of others. The process also demands respect for cultural norms in expressing
thoughts and engaging in discussions. Speech etiquette includes specific protocols for
greetings, addressing others, and parting, as well as rules for expressing gratitude,
making requests, offering advice, and apologizing. In discussions related to work, besides
addressing practical matters, it is also important to express sympathy, offer support, and
refrain from imposing one’s views. Teaching speech etiquette to younger generations is a
critical task in today’s educational and cultural contexts.
The principle of politeness in speech communication plays a critical role in shaping
the dynamics of social interactions. The application of politeness strategies, as identified
in various communication studies, demonstrates several key outcomes that enhance both
interpersonal relationships and the effectiveness of communication. [4]
1.
Maintenance of Social Harmony
: Politeness strategies help individuals avoid
conflict and preserve positive relationships by showing respect for others’ social roles,
feelings, and identities. When people use polite language, they reduce the likelihood of
offending others, ensuring that social harmony is maintained.
2.
Facilitation of Smooth Interaction
: Politeness acts as a lubricant in
communication. By adhering to politeness norms, speakers can navigate complex social
hierarchies and power dynamics more smoothly. This is especially evident in hierarchical
settings like the workplace or formal gatherings, where the use of polite expressions
helps manage differences in status without causing discomfort.
3.
Positive Face and Negative Face Protection
: According to Brown and
Levinson’s theory of politeness, individuals seek to protect both their positive face (the
desire to be liked and respected) and negative face (the desire for autonomy and freedom
from imposition). Through the use of politeness strategies such as hedging, indirectness,
and mitigation, speakers can shield their conversational partners from potential threats
to their face, thus promoting more effective communication.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
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4.
Cultural Variability
: The results show that the implementation of politeness
strategies can vary significantly across cultures. In some cultures, directness and
straightforwardness are valued, while in others, indirectness and deferential language
are emphasized. The understanding of these cultural differences is crucial for effective
cross-cultural communication, highlighting the need for adaptability in speech.
5.
Increased Cooperation and Empathy
: Politeness fosters a cooperative
atmosphere in communication, allowing speakers to express their views or requests
without causing offense. The use of polite speech encourages empathy, as it
demonstrates consideration for others' needs and perspectives, ultimately contributing
to more productive and supportive interactions.
6.
Impact on Social Identity and Status
: In speech communication, politeness can
be a marker of social identity. The way individuals use politeness can indicate their social
status, level of education, or cultural background. People who use polite language are
often perceived as more approachable and trustworthy, enhancing their social standing
and ability to influence others. [5]
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the principle of politeness in speech communication is a vital
component of successful interpersonal interactions. It serves to maintain social harmony,
foster respect, and protect individuals' faces, ensuring that communication remains
smooth and non-confrontational. Politeness strategies, whether through indirectness,
hedging, or using appropriate honorifics, allow speakers to navigate complex social
dynamics and power structures, making interactions more cooperative and empathetic.
The research also highlights the cultural variability of politeness, emphasizing the
need for cultural awareness in cross-cultural communication. Understanding the nuances
of polite speech across different societies is essential for effective communication in a
globalized world. Moreover, politeness not only facilitates interaction but also plays a
crucial role in shaping social identity and perceptions of status, which can influence both
personal relationships and professional success.
Ultimately, politeness is more than just a social convention; it is an essential tool
for fostering positive relationships, promoting understanding, and ensuring respectful
exchanges in a diverse and interconnected world. Its significance in speech
communication cannot be overstated, as it contributes to both the emotional and
practical success of human interactions.
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1.
Bayraktaroglu A, Sifianou M, Linguistic politeness across boundaries. -John
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2.
Bublitz W, Andreas H. Jucker Klaus P. Schneider. – Handbooks of Pragmatics, –
Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin/Boston, 2011. – B. 86.
3.
Leech G. The Pragmatics of Politeness. – Oxford University Press,2014. – B. 56.
4.
Prayitno H. Studi Sosiopragmatik. -Surakarta: Muhammadiyah University Press,
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Rokhman F, M.Hum Surahmat. Mengelola kesalahpahaman perspektif
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