Full Description
The concept of politeness permeates all aspects of modern life and society. However, to what extent has this phenomenon changed over time? This book traces the elusive concept of politeness from its beginnings in the Middle Ages up to the present day. Detailed case studies of mostly literary texts provide insights into historically specific ways of being polite, from discernment politeness in Old English to recent examples, such as non-imposition politeness. Readers will gain a better understanding of both the folk-notion of politeness and specific scholarly definitions, and how these can be applied to historical data. The long diachrony provides a novel perspective both on the concept of politeness and on the history of the English language in its social context, making this essential reading for politeness specialists, cultural historians and historical linguists alike. Politeness emerges as a multifaceted phenomenon that is both culture-specific and history-specific.
Contents
List of figures; List of tables; Preface; 1. Exploring politeness in the history of English; 2. Research methods and data problems; 3. Medieval Britain; 4. Terms of address in middle English; 5. Renaissance and early modern England; 6. Terms of address in early modern English; 7. The eighteenth century: The age of politeness; 8. The eighteenth century: Educational literature; 9. The rise (and fall) of non-imposition politeness; 10. Conclusion. Politeness, manners and dissimulation; References; Index.
