INVESTIGATING POLITENESS STRATEGIES AND SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS IN TOM HOOPER’S MOVIE “THE KING’S SPEECH” (2010)

Abstract

This study examines the "The King's Speech" (2010)'s politeness strategies from a pragmatic perspective, delving deeply into their socio-cultural ramifications. Set in 1930s Britain, the film depicts a world defined by rigorous cultural conventions, ingrained gender stereotypes, and precise etiquette. The study explains how the characters' language choices, as well as their navigation of social communication and interactions, help to sustain and negotiate relationships. This analysis employs a qualitative technique based on intensive textual and cinematic investigation, with Brown and Levinson's Politeness Theory (1978) serving as its theoretical foundation. This technique successfully uses Brown and Levinson's framework to explain the politeness standards that regulate communication. It compares these traditions to the socio-cultural norms and ethical standards of 1930s Britain. The fundamental goal is to illustrate how social rank, hierarchy, and etiquette influence the evolution of language patterns. This research uses a pragmatic approach to investigate the complex ways in which language reflects and reinforces cultural norms and values. It compares the film's politeness methods to current societal standards, demonstrating the change of social dynamics and language habits throughout time. Furthermore, the research examines power dynamics, gender roles, and societal possibilities, demonstrating how language not only reflects but also enforces cultural norms.