An Analysis of Politeness Strategies in the Speeches of King Abdullah II of Jordan at United Nations General Assembly
Abstract
This research paper investigates the use of politeness strategies in the speeches of King Abdullah II of Jordan at the 75th, 76th, and 77th sessions of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Using a qualitative research design, the study examines how various politeness strategies, as outlined by Brown and Levinson (1987), are employed in the King’s speeches to achieve diplomatic goals. The analysis focuses on both the types of politeness strategies—positive, negative, bald on-record, and off-record—and the functions they serve in advancing Jordan’s diplomatic agenda. The study draws on the transcripts of three speeches delivered on 22 September 2020, 22 September 2021, and 20 September 2022, selected through convenience sampling. Findings reveal that positive politeness strategies are used to foster unity and collective responsibility, particularly in addressing global challenges such as COVID-19, climate change, and food insecurity. Negative politeness strategies emerge in discussions of sensitive issues like the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, aiming to minimize imposition on the international audience while advocating for peaceful solutions. Off-record strategies are employed to indirectly criticize global inaction, while bald on-record strategies convey clear, unambiguous positions, particularly regarding the two-state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The research concludes that King Abdullah II strategically balances these politeness tactics to engage international stakeholders, promote Jordan's interests, and encourage global cooperation, all while maintaining diplomatic decorum.
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