Politeness in Conflict: A Qualitative Analysis of Grand Strategy of Politeness in the Film ‘Shortcomings’ (2023)

Abstract

This study investigates the politeness strategies used in the movie ‘Shortcomings (2023)’. By  utilising Grand Strategy of Politeness, provided by Geoffrey Leech in 2005, finalised in 2014,  the purpose of the study is to explore the politeness strategies used by the characters of the  movie. For certain individuals like Ben Tagawa, who is the movie’s main character, who  struggle to be polite or could not see the importance of being polite to build rapport and  maintain good relationships, this incapacity will eventually become an issue for them. Hence,  the study seeks to research ways or examples of politeness by observing characters’  interaction. By identifying, determining, and examining the reasons for any strategies used,  the researcher will be able to meet the purpose of this research. Furthermore, the gap in  existing research studies particularly one using Grand Strategy of Politeness and in the  context of films and related media shows there is a need of conducting the current study.  Therefore, to achieve this paper’s objective, the researcher will be using qualitative  methodology throughout the analysis of findings from the movie. The movie Shortcomings  (2023) is deliberately chosen to match the researcher’s objective and interest in investigating  from the lens of intercultural settings. The findings will be analysed using a descriptive  approach, according to content analysis guidelines and based on Leech’s GSP which contain  10 maxims in total. Lastly, this paper is hoped to provide useful resources for future  researchers and readers who are interested in politeness study while promoting the usage of  politeness strategies for achieving successful communication.