Why self-deprecating? Achieving 'oneness' in conversation

Title
Why self-deprecating? Achieving 'oneness' in conversation
Author
김명희
Keywords
Self-deprecation; Self; Task-based conversation; Negative yes/no interrogative; Digression; wakaranai ('I don't know')
Issue Date
2014-08
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Citation
Journal of Pragmatics, v. 69, Page. 82-98
Abstract
The present paper attempts to explore a less-discussed topic, that is, 'self-deprecating' language used in conversation. Based on task-based conversations in Korean and Japanese, where speakers were told to arrange a series of picture cards to make a coherent story, this paper presents three examples of self-deprecation: (a) the use of self-directed negative yes/no interrogatives showing uncertainty or self-doubt, (b) self-deprecating digressions exposing one's weaknesses or personal issues, and (c) the collaborative nature of self-deprecation. Self-deprecating language, in which speakers lower or humble themselves toward their addressees, does not contribute to achieving the goal of communication according to the Western culture-based frameworks. It even deters the efficiency and automaticity constituting the objective of any interaction. However, the results of the analysis suggest that speakers often self-deprecate in order to be on the same interactional plane, to be in equilibrium with each other. It is argued in this paper that, at least in some cultures, self-deprecating language is an important means that speakers use in conversation to level with each other and become of 'one mind'. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
URI
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378216614000605?via%3Dihubhttps://repository.hanyang.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11754/184557
ISSN
0378-2166
DOI
10.1016/j.pragma.2014.03.004
Appears in Collections:
COLLEGE OF LANGUAGES & CULTURES[E](국제문화대학) > ENGLISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE(영미언어·문화학과) > Articles
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