A Contrastıve Study Of The Use Of Polıteness Strategıes In Brıtısh And Azerbaıjanı Talk Shows

Abstract

This study examines how the two television shows The Graham Norton Show from Britain and Şənbə Axşamı from Azerbaijan employ politeness strategies. The study applied Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Theory to analyze 100 utterances in each show for Positive Politeness and Negative Politeness and Off-Record strategies with their related sub-strategies. Positive Politeness stands out as the primary politeness strategy in both British and Azerbaijani talk shows yet the application of these strategies demonstrates strong cultural variations. Şənbə Axşamı shows distinct use of gifts and expressions of gratitude and solidarity tactics because these represent standard cultural values in Azerbaijani society which emphasize respect along with modesty and emotional cohesion. The Graham Norton Show constructs its communication style through humor and irony while intensifying interest to achieve the relaxed entertainment style that is distinct from British media discourse. The fundings shows crucial contrasts between British and Azerbaijani cultural approaches to maintaining politeness which reveal foundational communication frameworks in those two societies. The research demonstrates that both cultures use humor together with emotional warmth to maintain face through shared experiences. This study of cultural comparison enhances intercultural pragmatics understanding and delivers implications for research on intercultural communication.