POLITENESS MAXIMS AND VERBAL VIOLENCE IN FAMILIES: A STUDY OF EMEKUKU OWERRI NORTH, IMO STATE

Abstract

The study examined politeness maxims and verbal violence in families’ language use. Thejeopardy of verbal violence in families against politeness maxims was discussed. The studyhinged on Brown and Levinson (1978/1987) politeness theory and Leech (1983) politenessmaxims. The method of data collection used are; two research instruments- questionnaire andobservations. The study adopted a quantitative research design of the simple percentage fordata analysis. Ten families were randomly visited to obtain data from the members. It wasrevealed that fourteen (14) out of the twenty-eight (28) participants were not aware ofpoliteness maxims or its stipulations nor verbal violence and its implications. Also, the resultproved ignorance of politeness maxims stipulations made speakers to use verbal violence asnormal and acceptable language of rebuke or correction. Therefore, the study recommendedthat interactants should apply the stipulations of politeness maxims in conversations in thefamily so as to shun the menace of verbal violence. Again, the use of politeexpressions/courteous utterances in family interactions enhanced self-confidence and goodinterpersonal relationships among interactants.