16 - Implications for Politeness Theory

Summary

Chapter 16 overviews the implications of the present book for future research on politeness. While politeness has been the focal point of the framework proposed in the book, it is important at the concluding stage to reflect on how this framework can advance research on politeness both inside and outside of the intercultural arena. The chapter considers in particular the following three questions: (1) what are the implications of the present book for research on relating? (2) How can the proposed framework advance understandings of the evaluation process through which politeness comes into existence? (3) What does the intercultural focus promoted in the book imply for politeness research?By investigating these questions, it is argued that present-day intercultural theory is capable of making an essential contribution in particular to these key areas of the politeness field. The chapter has three main sections: ‘performing’ relational management; understandings of the evaluation process; intercultural focus.