Micro view of politeness:
- Focuses on the individual level and how politeness is enacted in specific interactions.
- Considers the use of linguistic and non-verbal cues to manage face and create harmonious relationships.
- Studies how politeness norms vary depending on factors such as the relationship between the interlocutors, the context of the interaction, and the speaker's goals.
Macro view of politeness:
- Focuses on the societal level and how politeness is shaped by cultural values and norms.
- Considers how politeness is taught and learned, and how it is used to maintain social order and cohesion.
- Studies how politeness varies across different cultures and social groups.
Examples:
Micro view:
- A student saying "Excuse me, could I borrow your notes?" to a classmate instead of just grabbing them.
- A waiter using titles and honorifics when addressing customers in a Japanese restaurant.
- A friend saying "I'm so sorry to hear about your loss" to another friend who has just lost a loved one.
Macro view:
- In some cultures, it is considered polite to avoid direct eye contact, while in other cultures it is considered rude.
- In some cultures, it is considered impolite to refuse food that is offered to you, while in other cultures it is perfectly acceptable to decline.
- In some cultures, it is considered polite to be very direct and assertive, while in other cultures it is considered more polite to be indirect and deferential.
It is important to note that the micro and macro views of politeness are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are often interconnected. For example, the micro-level strategies that people use to be polite are often informed by the macro-level cultural norms that they have learned.
