FACE MANAGEMENT IN DIRECTIVE INTERACTION. A COMPARATIVE PRAGMATIC STUDY OF ENGLISH AND UZBEK REQUESTS AND COMMANDS

Abstract

The research explores the pragmatic and comparative as well as cross-cultural aspects of politeness strategies in communication by comparing and investigating requests and commands in English and Uzbek by highlighting how cultural norms influence the choice of tone and strategy while socializing. Based on the scholars named Brown and Levinson`s (1987) theory of politeness and Searle`s (1979) framework speech acts, the investigation has been analyzed 120 naturally occurring utterances (60 English and 60 Uzbek) encompasses from classroom discourse, peer communication and family interaction. The eventual ramification of the study reveals that the systematic cross-cultural variations and numerous distinctions in the strategic combination of the directives. As an exemplification, English speakers predominantly apply indirect forms and negative politeness strategies based on conventional contexts involving hierarchical asymmetry and social cautiousness. As a corollary, Uzbek residers more frequently employ direct structures such as imperatives which are contextually enhanced through incorporating positive politeness expressions that signify solidarity, unity and cultural-relational closeness. Another further studies that have been conducted demonstrate the implications that are urgency, social rank and distance between individuals, most importantly, the level of imposition strongly have a profound effect on the choice of politeness strategy according to the pace and circumstance. Additionally, attached to the recent findings, using politeness does not constantly mean that the listener will agree or follow the request or command, because it is also fundamental that to hang the equilibrium between the listener and the speaker shapes the mighty relationships. In my research paper, I will try to elucidate rolodex about the cross-cultural pragmatics and provides with useful insights for teaching pragmatic skills in ELT.