THE ROLE OF POLITENESS STRATEGIES IN CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION: A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF REQUESTS AND OFFERS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK
Keywords:
Politeness strategies, cross-cultural communication, pragmatics, requests, offers, indirectness, mitigation, English, Uzbek, social hierarchy, respect, cultural norms, discourse analysis, intercultural communication, language education.Abstract
Politeness is a fundamental aspect of communication that governs social interactions, maintaining harmony between individuals and reflecting cultural values. It is a social construct deeply ingrained in the fabric of every language and culture, influencing the way speakers address one another, especially in situations that involve requests, offers, or other potentially face-threatening acts. The strategies individuals use to express politeness can vary widely, often shaped by social context, relationship dynamics, and cultural norms. In cross-cultural communication, the appropriate use of politeness strategies becomes even more significant, as speakers from different cultural backgrounds may have varying expectations regarding politeness and the manner in which it should be conveyed. While some politeness strategies can facilitate smooth and effective communication, misunderstandings
may arise if there is a mismatch in the cultural understanding of politeness norms.
