Politeness Conventions

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 502.

Read and learn how “social language rules” work in English.

READING

Student B. Ask student A questions to find out as much as you can about the famous person and try to guess his/her name.

Make notes about yourself under the headings, then talk about yourself.

SPEAKING

· a greeting;

· some words about who you are and where you are from (name; place of origin / where you live);

· your occupation;

· your likes and dislikes;

· your hobbies;

· your dreams or plans for the future.

GUESSING GAME

40. Work in pairs following the instruction:

Student A. Think about a famous person you know something about(an artist, a musician, a politician ...).Write down in note form some details of their life (date and place of birth; what sort of family he/she was born into; education; career; first job; what he/she was famous for, etc.). Bring your notes to the lesson.

· Do not reveal their identity. Use he or she.

• Use the time expressions (at the age of; after that; during is/her life ...).

TEXT 1

The basic principle of politeness is to show respect for the partner. The principle can be embodied in a number of maxims¹:

1. Do not be dogmatic. Remember that the partner may have a different opinion. This maxim implies²:

a) The use of I think, I believe, I expect as introducers or as tags. If they are unstressed, their use does not indicate uncertainty³ or lack of confidence⁴.

I think his mother is Italian. She comes from Calabria, I believe.

b) The use of you know, of course to imply that the partner is not ignorant.

Of course, his mother is Italian, you know.

с) The use of tag questions to invite the partner's agreement (falling intonation) or confirmation⁵ (rising intonation).

His mother is Italian, isn't she?

2. Be reluctant⁶to say what may distress or displease the partner. This maxim implies such strategies as:

a) Expressing the reluctance:

I don't want to be difficult but … (e.g. this machine doesn't work).

I don't like saying so, but … (e.g. the music is too loud).

b) Seeking the partner's agreement:

I hope you don't mind …

Don't you agree that …?

с) Apologizing or expressing regret:

I'm sorry but … (your work is not good enough).

I'm afraid you can't smoke in here.

3. Do not force the partner to act.Allow him to appear to act voluntarily. This maxim implies:

a) Adding please whenever you call for action by the partner.

Where is the toilet, please? (asking the information)

A return ticket, please. (requesting something)

Sit down, please. (giving instructions, orders)

b) Avoiding⁷ simple imperatives⁸ when asking the partner to do something for you. Instead, ask if he

· is willing to act: Will you open the window, please?

· is able to act: Can you open this tin for me, please?

· wishes to act: Would you like to help me, please?

_________________________

¹ maxim – максима (краткое изречение, выражающее общеизвестную истину, правило поведения или этический принцип)

² imply – предполагать, подразумевать, заключать в себе, значить

³ uncertainty – неуверенность, нерешительность

⁴ confidence – уверенность, убеждённость

⁵ confirmation – подтверждение

⁶ reluctant – делающий что-л. с большой неохотой, вынужденный

⁷ avoid – избегать

⁸ imperative – повелительное наклонение, императив; повеление; распоряжение

TEXT 2

How to Be a Good Listener?