THE PRAGMATICS OF NEGATIVE SPEECH ACTS: INDIRECTNESS STRATEGIES IN REFUSAL, EVASION, AND DISAGREEMENT

Abstract

This article explores the concept of speech acts of negative reaction, focusing specifically on refusal, evasion, and disagreement in communicative exchanges. It distinguishes between direct and indirect forms of these speech acts, examining how speakers use indirectness as a strategic tool to mitigate face-threatening situations and maintain politeness. The article discusses various indirect strategies, such as providing reasons, offering alternatives, delaying a response, and using vague or hedging expressions. It also emphasizes the role of these speech acts in both cooperative and non-cooperative communication contexts, highlighting how they are employed to manage social relationships and navigate conflicts. Through the lens of linguistic pragmatics, the paper illustrates how individuals use indirectness to soften disagreement or refusal, reflecting broader socio-cultural norms and the dynamics of power and solidarity in conversation. The study concludes by underscoring the importance of understanding these strategies for a deeper appreciation of the complexities of human communication.