Hedges, Euphemisms, Apologies, and Requests

Language for Politeness

“So have you had a chance to look over the menu?” the waitress asked at the beginning of the meal. “What do you want?” would be, of course, far too blunt, and “Have you had a chance to look at the menu?” does indeed function the same way. Similarly, the waitress said “I’ll just put the check here on the table for whenever you’re ready” at the end of the meal; she would never say, “You need to pay now.” In fact, a lot of our language is made up of similar language for politeness.

Language for Politeness

1. 1

   The Hedge

   The Hedge “I’d really like to come to the party on Saturday, but I’m not sure if I can,” means “I probably won’t be there.” The speaker needs to respond to this invitation but doesn’t want to give a direct “yes” or “no” and instead hedges, or approaches the invitation indirectly, to avoid offending the host or committing himself to coming when he can’t.

2. 2

   Euphemism

   Euphemism is the “pretty language” we use to cover up a sensitive matter: “a little heavy,” for “fat,” for example, and “mature” for “old.” Because euphemisms are very indirect and an attempt to in some way evade the truth, they can be confusing for even native speakers. The instructor should go over some of the sensitive or “taboo” topics of American culture--death, aging, weight—and some of the common euphemisms for them. Usually, the more sensitive the topic, the more euphemisms it will have; think of how many alternate ways we have to say “to die”: “passed away,” “bought the farm,” “kicked the bucket,” “went to heaven,” and so on.

3. 3

   The Apology or Pseudo-apology

   The Apology or Pseudo-apology: “I’m sorry I’m late. Traffic is miserable,” or similar apology with an excuse is necessary for such minor transgressions as lateness. In contrast, a “pseudo-apology” is often used as an expression of sympathy: “I’m sorry to hear about your father’s death.” This is obviously not actually an apology but an expression of sympathy, and mistaking its function can lead to some rather comical exchanges: e.g., “It’s okay; it’s not your fault.”

4. 4

   Requests

   All languages have some way, and usually many ways, of asking for help: all of us do this, of various people, and over different things, sometimes just in the course of a day. So there are many ways to ask for help. Generally speaking, the closer the relationship and/or the smaller the request, the less formal and polite the language. As the favor grows bigger and/or the relationship more distant, the more polite the language. For example, I might say to my brother, “Hey, lend me a quarter for the parking meter, please?” but to a board of directors of a foundation, I would say, “I sincerely request that you seriously consider funding this worthy program…” Switching the two registers, or levels of formality and politeness, would be completely inappropriate.

5. 5

   Terms of Address:

   “Sir,” “Ma’am,” and “Miss”: When is it polite to use these, if at all?

   “Sir” is used with adult males; “Ma’am” is used for an adult female; “miss” usually for a teenager or young adult.

   These are used when the addressee’s name is not known: e.g., “Sir, would you have the time?” They are also used for customers and clients: e.g., “What can I get for you, Ma’am?”

   Some interesting notes on terms of address: “Lady” in American culture is not polite when used as a means of address; rather it is a dishonorific, as in “Lady, move your car.” “Boy” as a term of address for male service people, especially African American ones, has long fallen out of use in the United States, seen rightly as racist. However, “girl” is still heard to refer to, not address, female service people, such as waiters, no matter the age of the person: e.g., “I already gave my order to the girl,” when “the girl” might be sixty years old.

Methods to Teach the Language of Politeness

1. 1

   Teach the Term

   Explain the entire concept of politeness and how different cultures have different ways to show politeness. Ask for examples in U.S. culture: “excuse me” being a common one that people use when they really mean “move.” Ask for similar examples from students’ own cultures.

2. 2

   Raise Awareness

   Show a clip from a TV or part of an article and ask students for examples of polite language: “What term does the writer use for ‘older person?”and “What words does the actor use for his friend’s grandmother death?” In this way, students begin to understand that people do use the language of politeness frequently.

3. 3

   Correction

   Show a TV clip or read a news article in which there is some violation of polite language. Work with students to identify the offending parts and see if they can correct them: e.g., “The actor keeps calling his friend ‘fat,’; what can he say that is more polite?”

4. 4

   Situational Appropriateness

   Discuss situations where polite language is really necessary: when addressing a client or customer, in a professional or business setting, in a ceremonial or religious situation, meeting someone for the first time, and so on. Also discuss places when it would not be appropriate, such as in an emergency situation like a fire or in casual gatherings with friends or family.

5. 5

   Role Play

   After students have had a chance to work with the language of politeness, have them work on role-play. Put students in groups and pass out index cards with the basic situation on it: “Your friend asks about your grandmother, who had been sick. Your grandmother actually died last week. What should you say?” or “Your coworker asks you to have lunch with him. You’re too busy. What do you say?”

Because the whole point of the language of politeness is often to cover up an ugly reality, such as death or the need for money, understanding it can be difficult, even to native speakers.

However, understanding how to use these various language functions of hedges, euphemisms, and apologies is necessary to navigate successfully in English.