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Politeness in the History of English

From the Middle Ages to the Present Day

Andreas H. Jucker (Universität Zürich)

$179.95

Hardback

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English
Cambridge University Press
16 April 2020
The concept of politeness permeates all aspects of modern life and society. However, to what extent has this phenomenon changed over time? This book traces the elusive concept of politeness from its beginnings in the Middle Ages up to the present day. Detailed case studies of mostly literary texts provide insights into historically specific ways of being polite, from discernment politeness in Old English to recent examples, such as non-imposition politeness. Readers will gain a better understanding of both the folk-notion of politeness and specific scholarly definitions, and how these can be applied to historical data. The long diachrony provides a novel perspective both on the concept of politeness and on the history of the English language in its social context, making this essential reading for politeness specialists, cultural historians and historical linguists alike. Politeness emerges as a multifaceted phenomenon that is both culture-specific and history-specific.

By:  
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 235mm,  Width: 157mm,  Spine: 15mm
Weight:   420g
ISBN:   9781108499620
ISBN 10:   1108499627
Pages:   220
Publication Date:  
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
List of figures; List of tables; Preface; 1. Exploring politeness in the history of English; 2. Research methods and data problems; 3. Medieval Britain; 4. Terms of address in middle English; 5. Renaissance and early modern England; 6. Terms of address in early modern English; 7. The eighteenth century: The age of politeness; 8. The eighteenth century: Educational literature; 9. The rise (and fall) of non-imposition politeness; 10. Conclusion. Politeness, manners and dissimulation; References; Index.

Andreas H. Jucker is Professor of English Linguistics, University of Zurich.

Reviews for Politeness in the History of English: From the Middle Ages to the Present Day

'... the book serves as a great resource for historical pragmaticists who are looking for an overview of politeness across the history of English.' Daniela Cesiri, Journal of Pragmatics '... Jucker gives readers a thorough overview of the complexities of politeness and a snapshot of how English notions of politeness have evolved over time ... Recommend.' C. P. Jamison, Choice


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