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Issue: Tập 23, Số 1 (2026)
Section: Articles
DOI: 10.54607/hcmue.js.23.1.4976(2026)
Date Published: 31/01/2026
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Truong, P. L. (2026). AN INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLIMENTS, OFFERS, AND ADVICE THROUGH THE LENS OF POLITENESS THEORIES IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION. Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Journal of Science, 23(1), 113-124. https://doi.org/10.54607/hcmue.js.23.1.4976(2026)

AN INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLIMENTS, OFFERS, AND ADVICE THROUGH THE LENS OF POLITENESS THEORIES IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Truong Phi Luan1,
1 Faculty of Foreign Languages, Dong Nai University, Vietnam

Main Article Content

Abstract

Intercultural communication is seen as crucial in everyday conversations, particularly in a global context. Several studies have suggested that communication breakdowns largely stem from English users’  failure to adhere to politeness principles. This article addresses the urgent needs of English users in an intercultural communication setting by emphasizing that mastering politeness theory is key to overcoming barriers for ESL/ EFL students. The article first reviews key theoretical frameworks of politeness theories, including conversational maxims, face-saving, social norms, and recent studies as well. Building on this theoretical framework, it then aims to clarify, analyze, and interpret communication situations through short exchanges between EFL/ESL learners and native English speakers, as well as classroom observations, to identify the causes of communication breakdowns and propose remedies. Based on these findings, the article presents conclusions and pedagogical implications to assist lecturers in helping their students communicate effectively 
across cultures.

Keywords

conversational maxims, face-saving, politeness principles, social norms

Article Details

References

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