A Study On Politeness Strategies Of Teacher Talk In English Classroons In Secondary School

Politeness symbolizes human civilization, and is one of conduct codes of human beings. Asa social activity, language use is subject to this code as well. Since Brown and Levinson proposedFace-Saving Theory and Leech developed it by putting forward the Politeness Principle, manyscholars have explored it in various fields. However, few of them have ever stepped into theapplication of politeness theories to English classrooms in secondary schools.The further reform of English teaching and learning presents a great challenge to Englishteachers. Teacher talk, as a means of conveying information, organizing and managing the class,is gaining increase recognition. Teacher talk can be realized by teachers in the classroominteraction. Politeness plays an important role in human communication. The choice of differentpoliteness strategies more or less can lead to the success of the communication or not. Suchpoliteness strategies also work in the classroom interaction between the teachers and students. Inthis paper, the researcher tries to combine teacher talk with the politeness strategies in order toinvestigate the application of politeness strategies in teacher talk in English classrooms and thefeedback to the application of politeness strategies from students.Teachers'politeness strategies refer to verbal or nonverbal strategies employed by teachers,which have a mitigating function generally to stimulate students'motivation or create anenjoyable and harmonious atmosphere in class. Such strategies include three main categories:positive politeness strategies, negative politeness strategies and off-record politeness strategies.Based on the researches done on politeness, this study examines English teachers'application ofpoliteness strategies within English classrooms in secondary schools, mainly by means ofqualitative and quantitative methods. All the feedback gained from the questionnaire surveys fallsinto three categories: (1)teachers'face concerns for the students within English classrooms;(2)teachers'implementation of certain PS within particular English classroom and (3)thefeedback to the application of PS from students and the effects of PS on both teaching andlearning.The analysis and discussion of the study prove that PS is a central and enduring feature ofall interpersonal relationships in classroom communications. It is concerned with thecommunication activities that help to create, maintain, and sustain the connections between teachers and students. And it is believed that no matter what types of politeness strategies areapplied in English classrooms, the purpose is to create a pleasant and harmonious context for thestudents, to initiate their self-esteem and enthusiasm for English study, and hence achieve moreeffective teaching.