A Case Study of Implications for the University Instructors' Politeness principles in EFL Classrooms

Politeness, as a universal phenomenon in society, is a reflection of specific cultural values, which can be observed in all languages and cultures. In the process of teaching and learning activity, teachers’ language plays a very important role in EFL classroom, such as teachers’ academic instructions, motivating the class and evaluating students. No exaggeration to say that teachers’ language is indispensable to effective communication in class. Adopting Brown and Levinson’s politeness strategies through class observation, the researcher aims to reveal how the teacher applies politeness strategies to his teaching practice in the language use. Through analyzing the data collected, the researcher finds out the university teacher conducts his class on term of positive politeness and negative politeness in a practical way. Evidently the adoption of politeness strategies shortens the teacher-student social distance, makes the class interesting, and in turn facilitates English teaching and learning

Keywords:

Politeness , University Instructors' Politeness , Positive and negative politeness , EFL classroom