Positive Politeness Dominates: Examining The Politeness Strategies in an Indonesian EFL Textbook
Abstract
Understanding politeness strategy helps speakers understand which expressions are appropriate to use depending on the situation. This study aims to provide an overview of politeness strategies found in the EFL textbook Bahasa Inggris: Think Globally, Act Locally in the selected chapter.This study employs qualitative content analysis and the data were taken from the dialogues contained in the first chapter that has the theme of congratulating others. A total of 13 dialogues which comprise 35 data of politeness-related expressions were analyzed. The data were examined using Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory. The results revealed 29 data of positive politeness and six data of bald on record strategies. Negative politeness and off-record strategies were not identified in the dialogues of the first chapter of the textbook. The results of this study suggest that positive politeness and bald on record strategies are predominantly used in situations where speakers share familiarity or closeness, particularly when expressing congratulations.
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