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  3. Politeness in the History of English
  • Cited by 31
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
March 2020
Print publication year:
2020
Online ISBN:
9781108589147
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108589147
Subjects:
Sociolinguistics, Language and Linguistics, History of the English Language
Information

Book description

The concept of politeness permeates all aspects of modern life and society. However, to what extent has this phenomenon changed over time? This book traces the elusive concept of politeness from its beginnings in the Middle Ages up to the present day. Detailed case studies of mostly literary texts provide insights into historically specific ways of being polite, from discernment politeness in Old English to recent examples, such as non-imposition politeness. Readers will gain a better understanding of both the folk-notion of politeness and specific scholarly definitions, and how these can be applied to historical data. The long diachrony provides a novel perspective both on the concept of politeness and on the history of the English language in its social context, making this essential reading for politeness specialists, cultural historians and historical linguists alike. Politeness emerges as a multifaceted phenomenon that is both culture-specific and history-specific.

Reviews

‘… the book serves as a great resource for historical pragmaticists who are looking for an overview of politeness across the history of English.’

Daniela Cesiri Source: Journal of Pragmatics

‘… Jucker gives readers a thorough overview of the complexities of politeness and a snapshot of how English notions of politeness have evolved over time … Recommend.’

C. P. Jamison Source: Choice

‘Jucker’s book shows that one always needs to critically reflect on whether the politeness-related notions adopted for enquiries in multilingual development are at all valid. … I thoroughly recommend it.’

Dániel Z. Kádár Source: Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development

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