Chapter 11- Solidarity & Politeness

Dimensions of socio-symbolic variation

Power-solidarity: unequal vs. equal relationships

Politeness-intimacy: strangers vs. friends & family

Pronouns

(T): used with familiar/intimate, or socially inferior addressee

(V): used to be polite, or with a socially distant/superior addressee

Reciprocal pronoun use (T-T, V-V)

Reciprocal (T): solidarity among intimates

Reciprocal (V): politeness among non-intimates

Non-reciprocal pronoun use (T-V, V-T)

Shows unequal status, child-elder, student-teacher, etc.

Terms of address in English

First name, nickname, last name, title, etc.

Different terms have different social meanings that are learned through instruction and experience, and show regional and social variation over time

Face-work

Using language to protect one’s self-image and respond to others’ self-image