Turn-taking and honorifics as politeness strategy in communication: The case of parliamentary discourse

Abstract

People take turns when they communicate in whatever setting except perhaps in heated arguments. Two participants of an exchange must however use language while they observe turns. If the use of turns fails, then, the role of language as maintaining social relatiousing Bronships fails as well. This study, wn and Levinson‟s (1978, 1987) Face theory, explores the extent to which face saving/threatening acts can make or mar a conversation; the degree to which turns can be maximized in parliamentary discourse, and the use of honorifics on the Floor of the House of Assembly as a politeness strategy. To access data for this discussion, the researcher had to attend some sessions held by the legislators at the Plateau State House of Assembly.