Between Baguettes and Politeness: Analyzing Linguistic Strategies in a French Bakery
Résumé
This study explores the linguistic strategies of politeness in commercial interactions within a rural French bakery, highlighting how everyday transactions reflect broader cultural norms. Drawing from the frameworks of Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory and Kerbrat-Orecchioni’s (2005) interactional pragmatics, the analysis focuses on 40 recorded interactions between a vendor and her customers. The findings reveal a strong preference for negative politeness strategies, including indirect requests and formal politeness markers, alongside ritualized sequences such as greetings and farewells Additionally, Face-Flattering Acts (FFAs), like compliments and small talk, play a key role in enhancing social bonds and fostering a sense of community. These results demonstrate that politeness in rural French bakeries is not merely about mitigating face-threatening acts but is a deeply ritualized practice that reinforces social cohesion and reflects the cultural significance of language in routine interactions
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