Chapter 16. Address and politeness

Abstract

This chapter sets out to explore the theoretical relationship between address and politeness. It explores the nature of address and discusses the concept of “address theory”, the need for such a theory, and what it should encompass. It analyses, for the first time, the theoretical contrasts between address and politeness by means of a chronological discussion of politeness theory and its treatment of address, as well as a critical discussion of the handling of politeness theory by the address literature. It concludes, with Terkourafi (2005), that each of the approaches to politeness surveyed has its merits, and observes that, despite frequent references to politeness, the address literature engages in reflection on politeness (theory) only sporadically. It also calls for a debate about the need for a (separate) address theory, including the continued use of the labels T and V, which is widespread in both address research and politeness research.