THE USE OF POLITENESS STRATEGIES FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS BY WIVES IN AWKA

Abstract

This study investigated firsthand the use of politeness strategies by wives in Awka. It specifically x-rayed the frequency of the five politeness strategies– off the record, bald-on-record, positive politeness strategies, negative politeness strategies, and do not do the FTA – in different situations. The sample for this study comprises 50 wives residing or working in Awka. A deductive research approach was used for this research. The researcher adopted a quantitative approach was used in carrying out this research. The researcher also used Google form questionnaire to generate and distribute structured, close-ended questions to all members of the sample population. The research questions were analysed using percentage values and graphical representations. The findings validated the researcher's hypothesis that conflict and conflict resolution are an essential part of every marriage relationship and that the intelligent use of politeness strategies alleviated marital conflict. 70% of wives in Awka use the bald-on-record strategy and 82% of husbands do not have their face threatened by this. Wives should be consistent in using the appropriate politeness strategy per time for effective communication.