THE CONCEPT OF COMPLIMENT AND ITS LINGUISTIC NATURE
Abstract
This article examines the linguistic and pragmatic nature of compliments as units of interpersonal communication. Compliments are interpreted within the framework of speech act theory—particularly as expressive illocutionary acts that convey positive evaluation, reinforce politeness, and strengthen social bonds. The paper discusses the historical development of speech act theory, analyzes the structural and semantic features of English compliment expressions, and explores sociocultural factors shaping their usage. The findings demonstrate that compliments function not only as evaluative utterances but also as significant social signals that promote rapport, maintain positive face, and facilitate effective communication.
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References
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