Exploring Face-Threatening Acts and (Im)politeness in Persian Discourse: A Study in Tehran
摘要
The present study aimed to investigate the intricacies of face-threatening acts and (im)politeness as experienced and expressed by native Persian speakers in Tehran. By engaging a diverse cohort of participants representing various ages, social backgrounds, and educational levels, the researcher attempted to capture a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon in Persian discourse. To achieve this, I employed a combination of Discourse Completion Tests (DCTs) and naturalistic scenarios, inviting participants to respond spontaneously and interactively. This methodology facilitated the collection of authentic data, shedding light on how Persian speakers navigate face-threatening acts in their daily conversations. In-depth interviews were also conducted to explore the deeper interpretations and personal experiences of participants. Focus groups were convened to uncover the social and cultural issues influencing the perception and use of face-threatening acts and (im)politeness. The data obtained from DCTs, interviews, and focus groups underwent a rigorous analysis to identify recurring themes, patterns, and variations. Where applicable, quantitative analysis was employed to determine the frequency of specific face-threatening acts or (im)politeness strategies across different demographic groups. Our findings revealed consistent themes and patterns in how Persian speakers perceive and respond to face-threatening acts, with cultural nuances influenced by age, gender, and social background. Furthermore, insights into the role of power dynamics, social connections, and cultural norms in the interpretation and use of face-threatening acts were uncovered. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of face-threatening acts and (im)politeness in Persian discourse, offering practical implications for intercultural communication, translation studies, and sociolinguistics.