Solidarity and Politeness

A. Definition of Solidarity

Solidarity is a feeling of attachment and support between individuals in a group. Solidarity refers to a
sense of togetherness and unity among individuals in a group or community. It creates an emotional
bond that supports cooperation and mutual understanding.In the context of language, solidarity can be
seen through the use of more informal or familiar language among individuals who have close
relationships. The use of local dialects or slang, for example, can indicate closeness and membership in
the same group.

According to Emile Durkheim, solidarity can be divided into two types: mechanical solidarity and organic
solidarity.

 Mechanical Solidarity: Occurs in traditional societies where individuals have similarities in terms
of values, norms, and beliefs. An example is a village community that helps each other in
agricultural activities.
 Organic Solidarity: Emerges in complex modern societies, where individuals have different roles
but are interdependent on each other. For example, in a work environment, employees from
various backgrounds collaborate to achieve common goals.

Solidarity Theory

 Solidarity Theory by Brown and Levinson. This theory was developed by Penelope Brown
and Stephen C. Levinson in 1978. They divide behavioral patterns into two types:
1. Polite Behavior: Used to increase the likelihood of getting what is desired without causing
harm to the interlocutor.
2. Impolite Behavior: Can lead to negative self-assessments and can damage interpersonal
relationships.

 Interactive Model by Goffman. Erving Goffman applies an interactive model that focuses on
how individuals use strategies to maintain their identity during the interaction
process.Individuals will play "role play" to build and maintain their positive image.

B. Definition of Politeness

Politeness is a social norm that regulates individual behavior in interacting with others. Politeness covers
various aspects, including language, attitudes, and actions. Politeness is behavior that shows respect and
consideration for others. It includes the use of language that is polite and in accordance with social
norms. Politeness is often manifested through the use of more formal forms of language, the use of
honorifics, or sentence structures designed to avoid offense. For example, in Western cultures,
politeness is often demonstrated through the use of “please” and “thank you,” while in Eastern cultures,
respect for elders is emphasized.

Politeness Theory

 Politeness System Theory by Lakoff. Robin Tolmach Lakoff suggests that there are two types of
politeness systems, namely:

Formal System: Using formal and polite language as a form of respect for the interlocutor.

Informal System: Using casual and informal language because of strong emotional involvement.

 Scollon's Contextual Social Model by David Blundell Scollon, describes a contextual social model
that views politeness as a result of interactions between cultural sources and social structures.
Focuses on how a person reads the situation before making a decision whether to be polite or
not.

Thus, these theories provide insight into how humans interact effectively and choose levels of politeness
according to the social context and their relationships with others.

C. Functions of solidarity and politeness

Solidarity and politeness play an important role in social interaction and communication, especially in
the context of culture and language. Here are the functions of solidarity and politeness:

Functions of Solidarity

1. Building strong social relationships: Solidarity helps create emotional bonds and a sense of
commonality among individuals or groups.

2. Increasing trust: Solidarity shows support and concern, thereby increasing trust between individuals
or groups.

3. Reducing conflict: Solidarity can reduce conflict and increase cooperation.

4. Building a shared identity: Solidarity helps create a shared identity and a sense of pride.

Functions of Politeness

1. Avoiding conflict: Politeness helps avoid conflict and increase harmony in social interactions.

2. Showing respect: Politeness shows respect and appreciation for others.

3. Building positive relationships: Politeness helps create positive and mutually respectful relationships.

4. Reducing tension: Politeness can reduce tension and increase comfort in social interactions.
In Communication

1. Increasing communication effectiveness: Solidarity and politeness help increase communication

2. Reducing misunderstandings: Solidarity and politeness can reduce misunderstandings and increase
understanding.

3. Building trust: Solidarity and politeness help build trust and increase cooperation.

In Culture

1. Building cultural identity: Solidarity and politeness help build cultural identity and increase cultural
awareness.

2. Respecting traditions: Solidarity and politeness show respect for traditions and cultural values.

3. Increasing cooperation: Solidarity and politeness help increase intercultural cooperation.

In Language Education

1. Improving communication skills: Solidarity and politeness help improve communication skills in
language.

2. Reducing misunderstandings: Solidarity and politeness can reduce misunderstandings in

3. Building trust: Solidarity and politeness help build trust between teachers and students.

By understanding and implementing solidarity and politeness, we can improve the quality of social
interaction, communication, and relationships with others.

D. Examples of Application in Daily Life

Here are examples of solidarity and politeness in social environments:

Solidarity

1. Offering condolences: "Sorry to hear about your loss."

2. Providing emotional support: "You're not alone; I'm here for you."
3. Volunteering: Participating in charity events or community service.

4. Empathizing: "I understand how you feel."

5. Offering help: "Can I assist you with anything?"

Politeness

1. Basic courtesy: "Please," "Thank you," "Excuse me."

2. Formal greetings: "Good morning," "Hello."

3. Respectful language: Using titles (Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr.) and last names.

4. Active listening: "I appreciate your input."

5. Inclusive language: Using "we" and "us."

In Communication

1. Clarifying: "I'm not sure I understand; could you explain?"

2. Expressing gratitude: "Thanks for your help."

3. Apologizing: "Sorry for the mistake."

4. Clear communication: Avoiding jargon or complex language.

5. Respectful tone: Avoiding sarcasm or condescension.

In Family

In a family, children may use very polite language with their parents to show respect, but use more
casual language with their siblings to show strong family ties.

In the Workplace

In a work environment, an employee may use very polite language when speaking to a superior to show
respect (negative politeness), but speak more casually and use everyday language with coworkers at the
same level to show solidarity.
1. Greeting colleagues: "Good morning."

2. Supporting coworkers: "How can I assist you?"

3. Valuing opinions: "Your input is appreciated."

4. Professional language: Avoiding slang or informal tone.

5. Offering assistance: "Can I help with your project?"

Situation : Talking to your boss at work

Formal:

Roni: Good morning, sir/madam. Can I set up a time to discuss an ongoing project?

Mr. John: Good morning. Sure, I’d love to discuss it. When are you available?

Roni: I’m available tomorrow morning, if that doesn’t interfere with your schedule.

Mr. John : Tomorrow morning sounds good. Thanks for the initiative.

On Social Media

1. Respectful comments: Avoiding negativity or offense.

2. Empathetic responses: "Sorry to hear that."

3. Constructive criticism: "Here's an alternative perspective."

4. Positive emojis: 🙂, 👍.

5. Avoiding confrontational language.

References

Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987). Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage. Cambridge
University Press.

Durkheim, E. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. Free Press.

Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.

Lakoff, R. T. (1973). Language and Woman's Place. Language in Society, 2(1), 45-79.
Scollon, R., & Scollon, S. W. (2001). Intercultural Communication: A Discourse Approach. Blackwell
Publishing.

Holmes, J. (1995). Women, Men and Politeness. Longman.

Tannen, D. (1990). You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. William Morrow.

Haugh, M. (2013). Understanding Politeness. Cambridge University Press.

Bach, K., & Harnish, R. M. (1979). Linguistic Communication and Speech Acts. MIT Press.

Kádár, D. Z., & Haugh, M. (2013). Understanding Politeness in Intercultural Communication. Cambridge
University Press.