Difference between revisions of "Polite"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
classical [[Latin]] ''polītus'', past participle of ''polīre'' to smooth, to polish, also as adjective in figurative senses (of people, their [[manners]], or their [[appearance]], or of [[writings]] or [[activities]]) polished, elegant, accomplished, refined, cultivated, courteous | classical [[Latin]] ''polītus'', past participle of ''polīre'' to smooth, to polish, also as adjective in figurative senses (of people, their [[manners]], or their [[appearance]], or of [[writings]] or [[activities]]) polished, elegant, accomplished, refined, cultivated, courteous | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15th_century 15th Century] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
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:c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities <polite [[literature]]> | :c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities <polite [[literature]]> | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | '''Politeness''' is best [[expressed]] as the [[practical]] application of good [[manners]] or [ | + | '''Politeness''' is best [[expressed]] as the [[practical]] application of good [[manners]] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette etiquette]. It is a culturally-defined [[phenomenon]], and therefore what is considered polite in one culture can sometimes be quite rude or simply [[eccentric]] in another cultural context. |
While the goal of politeness is to make all of the parties [[relaxed]] and [[comfortable]] with one another, these culturally-defined [[standards]] at times may be [[manipulated]] to inflict [[shame]] on a designated party. | While the goal of politeness is to make all of the parties [[relaxed]] and [[comfortable]] with one another, these culturally-defined [[standards]] at times may be [[manipulated]] to inflict [[shame]] on a designated party. | ||
| − | The British social anthropologists Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson identified two kinds of politeness, deriving from Erving Goffman's concept of [ | + | The British social anthropologists Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson identified two kinds of politeness, deriving from Erving Goffman's concept of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_(self_image) face]: |
| − | *''Negative politeness'': Making a request less infringing, such as "If you don't mind..." or "If it isn't too much trouble..."; [[respect]]s a [[person]]'s right to act freely. In other [[words]], deference. There is a greater use of ''indirect'' [ | + | *''Negative politeness'': Making a request less infringing, such as "If you don't mind..." or "If it isn't too much trouble..."; [[respect]]s a [[person]]'s right to act freely. In other [[words]], deference. There is a greater use of ''indirect'' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_acts speech acts]. |
| − | *''Positive politeness'': Seeks to [[establish]] a [[positive]] [[relationship]] between parties; respects a person's need to be liked and [[understood]]. ''Direct'' [ | + | *''Positive politeness'': Seeks to [[establish]] a [[positive]] [[relationship]] between parties; respects a person's need to be liked and [[understood]]. ''Direct'' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_acts speech acts], swearing and flouting Grice's maxims can be considered aspects of positive politeness because: |
:1) they show an [[awareness]] that the [[relationship]] is strong enough to cope with what would [[normally]] be considered impolite (in the popular [[understanding]] of the term); | :1) they show an [[awareness]] that the [[relationship]] is strong enough to cope with what would [[normally]] be considered impolite (in the popular [[understanding]] of the term); | ||
:2) they articulate an awareness of the other [[person]]'s [[values]], which fulfills the person's [[desire]] to be [[accepted]]. | :2) they articulate an awareness of the other [[person]]'s [[values]], which fulfills the person's [[desire]] to be [[accepted]]. | ||
| − | Some [[cultures]] seem to prefer one of these kinds of politeness over the other. In this way politeness is culturally-bound.[ | + | Some [[cultures]] seem to prefer one of these kinds of politeness over the other. In this way politeness is culturally-bound.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politeness] |
[[Category: Sociology]] | [[Category: Sociology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:32, 13 December 2020
Origin
classical Latin polītus, past participle of polīre to smooth, to polish, also as adjective in figurative senses (of people, their manners, or their appearance, or of writings or activities) polished, elegant, accomplished, refined, cultivated, courteous
Definitions
- 1a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture
- b : marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres
- 2a : showing or characterized by correct social usage
- b : marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy
- c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities <polite literature>
Description
Politeness is best expressed as the practical application of good manners or etiquette. It is a culturally-defined phenomenon, and therefore what is considered polite in one culture can sometimes be quite rude or simply eccentric in another cultural context.
While the goal of politeness is to make all of the parties relaxed and comfortable with one another, these culturally-defined standards at times may be manipulated to inflict shame on a designated party.
The British social anthropologists Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson identified two kinds of politeness, deriving from Erving Goffman's concept of face:
- Negative politeness: Making a request less infringing, such as "If you don't mind..." or "If it isn't too much trouble..."; respects a person's right to act freely. In other words, deference. There is a greater use of indirect speech acts.
- Positive politeness: Seeks to establish a positive relationship between parties; respects a person's need to be liked and understood. Direct speech acts, swearing and flouting Grice's maxims can be considered aspects of positive politeness because:
- 1) they show an awareness that the relationship is strong enough to cope with what would normally be considered impolite (in the popular understanding of the term);
- 2) they articulate an awareness of the other person's values, which fulfills the person's desire to be accepted.
Some cultures seem to prefer one of these kinds of politeness over the other. In this way politeness is culturally-bound.[1]
