A STUDY OF IMPOLITENESS IN SELLER-BUYER CONVERSATIONS IN ONITSHA MAIN MARKET, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

This research x-rayed impoliteness in the interaction of seller-buyer of Onitsha main market in Anambra state. Its purpose was to bring to limelight the obvious impoliteness strategies applied during transaction discourse. Data for this research were drawn from the discourse of sellers and buyer in Onitsha main market, the data were collected using personal observation and note taking. The theoretical framework was drawn from Culpeper impoliteness strategies. Ten excerpts were systematic selected from the population to ascertain the level of impoliteness in the transactional interaction of sellers-buyers within the market under study. The researcher applied eclectically method to capture both the interactional and social aspect of sellers-buyers in the market. The research revealed that sellers and buyers applied positive impoliteness strategy, negative, bald on-record impoliteness strategy to damage mutual understanding which overtly has negative impact on transaction. The researcher recommended intermittent seminar for traders in order to reduce the level of impoliteness in the market and to maintain social relationship.