LINGUISTIC PROBLEMS OF USING COMPLIMENTS IN THE LITERARY TEXTS IN THE EXAMPLE OF OSCAR WILDE’S AND SAID AHMAD’S WORKS

Abstract

This article analyses the linguistic and pragmatic problems associated with the use of compliments in communication. The study examines complimenting strategies in the works of Oscar Wilde and Said Ahmad, focusing on issues such as sincerity, strategic complimenting, compliment responses, face-threatening potential, gender aspects, irony, and cross-cultural variation. The findings show that compliments often function as strategic social tools shaped by cultural norms and social relations rather than purely sincere praise. The comparison also reveals that English compliments frequently emphasise appearance and personal abilities, while Uzbek compliments tend to highlight moral qualities and domestic virtues.