THE SEMANTIC-PRAGMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FLATTERY DISCOURSE

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the semantic and pragmatic features of speech acts expressing flattery. Flattery is a means of expressing encouragement. It is considered false positive evaluation. It presupposes the influence of the listener’s thoughts and feelings and their actions through the speech acts expressing flattery. The intention of the flatterer is to reach his goal by disguising his plans and trying to please the listener and gain his approval with his verbal and non-verbal behaviour, pleasing the addressee and seeking to satisfy his glory. It is mainly expressed by phatic compliments and self-humiliating expressions. Depending on the circumstances the flatterer utters these expressions on the assumption that the hearer will recognize the intended effect. Thus, flattery can be expressed through different perlocutionary acts such as compliments, congratulations, as well as speech acts of admiration and approval, and its implementation is conditioned by the different status and role characteristics of the participants. The present paper is an attempt to outline the semantic and social peculiarities of these speech acts.