EXPRESSING IMPERATIVE SENTENCES IN ENGLISH AT DIFFERENT LEVELS
Keywords:
Imperative mood, pragmatics, politeness strategies, directive speech acts, social hierarchy, linguistic softening, English grammar.Abstract
This article explores the multi-faceted nature of imperative sentences in the
English language, moving beyond simple grammatical structures to analyze their
pragmatic functions across different social levels. The study investigates how
imperatives are softened or intensified based on the relationship between the speaker
and the listener, the urgency of the situation, and the social hierarchy. By examining
direct commands, polite requests, and suggestive imperatives, the research highlights
the importance of "face-saving" acts in English communication. The methodology
includes a qualitative analysis of linguistic markers and a comparative study of formal
versus informal discourse.
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