Understanding Politeness in a Multicultural Society: Through the Lens of Malaysian University Students

Abstract

Politeness is an essential part of human communication. It serves as a tool for expressing respect, maintaining social harmony, and mitigating potential conflicts. However, perceptions of politeness may vary across individuals due to a few factors. Among university students, who interact with peers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, these differences in politeness norms can be particularly prominent. This study aims to identify if students think cultural differences influence politeness, and the students’ perceptions on the influence of cultural differences on politeness. The study employs mixed method approach with focus on thematic analysis. It was found that there are six dimensions of cultural differences that influence politeness; regional tone or dialect, family upbringing, religious influence, socioeconomic factors, racism and selectivity, and individual and& emotional factors. By examining how cultural backgrounds shape perceptions of politeness, this study aims to contribute to a broader understanding of intercultural communication and the challenges associated with differing politeness norms.