Politeness research in the Spanish-speaking world

Abstract

Politeness has been examined using different theoretical and methodological frameworks and in various sociocultural contexts. Politeness research in the Spanish-speaking world can be understood by examining first-, second-, and third-wave investigative approaches that highlight theoretical, discursive, and contextual-discursive understandings. To examine the post-Brown and Levinson development of politeness research, this chapter offers a selective account of politeness phenomena in the Spanish-speaking world. After describing the fundamental concepts of polite behavior (first- and second-order politeness, face, and mitigation), we describe the three waves of politeness theory as applied to Spanish politeness research in different sociocultural contexts. Focusing on politeness in Latin America, we offer selective research that examines intercultural politeness in call centers where politeness reflects institutional practices. We conclude this chapter with some methodological considerations and outline future directions in politeness research in the Spanish-speaking world.