A Comparative Analysis of Politeness Strategies in the Genderlect of Americans and Pakistanis in English TV Talk Shows
Abstract
The research aims to explore the differences in politeness strategies between Pakistani males and females, using English as their second language, and Native American males and females using English as their first language, specifically in the context of TV talk shows. The study investigates how politeness strategies vary based on gender, language proficiency, and cultural background, with a focus on positive and negative face-saving acts. The research methodology includes a quantitative analysis of twenty English-language TV talk shows from American and Pakistani channels, examining the politeness strategies used by hosts and guests of different genders. Findings of this study suggest that Pakistani speakers, especially males, tend to use more positive face-saving acts in interactions with females, while American speakers exhibit similar patterns but with variations based on cultural norms and language skills. Both cultures establish a preference for maintaining positive face and avoiding negative face-threatening acts, especially in cross gender interactions. The research study adds to what we already know about how language and gender are connected. It gives us new information about how people use politeness when they communicate with each other across different cultures. It also shows us how a person's language skills, their culture, and their gender all affect how they communicate with others. The results have implications for how we can make better communication between people from different languages and cultures.
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