Politeness in Teacher-Student Interactions in a Kenyan Secondary School Context and Implications for Pedagogy in Communication Skills
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Date
2020
Authors
Wangia, Joyce I.
Otonde, Lydia A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
It is commonly agreed that politeness is reflected in the pragmatic use of language
(Brown & Levinson, 1987). Although the politeness phenomenon is
universal, with many expressional similarities, each language possesses norms
and ways of expressing politeness within a given cultural context. The Kenyan
school syllabus caters for the teaching of these politeness expressions across
all levels of the curriculum and learners are expected to observe the same.
This study sought to investigate the impact of the teaching of politeness
strategies on their pragmatic use by secondary school students. Through a
case study, the study looked at what strategies are used by documenting interactions
in varied forums outside the classroom. The study therefore considered
the verbal expressions of politeness strategies. The study finds Kenyan
secondary school students limited in the use of politeness strategies and that
the English language politeness strategies are at variance with the students’
cultural orientation. The study makes recommendations on how learners can
be better equipped in the use of politeness strategies for improved communication.
Description
A research paper published in Department of English and Linguistics
Keywords
Politeness Strategies, Pragmatics, Context, Interaction, Culture
Citation
Wangia, J. I., & Otonde, L. A. (2020). Politeness in Teacher- Student Interactions in a Kenyan Secondary School Context and Implications for Pedagogy in Communication Skills. Open Journal of Modern Linguistics, 10, 104-124. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojml.2020.102007