ANALYZING PRAGMATIC HEDGES FROM POLITENESS PRINCIPLES PERSPECTIVES IN THE PROLOGUE OF THE HOLY WOMAN AND EPILOGUE OF UNMARRIAGEABLE

Abstract

 Pragmatic hedges play a significant and widespread role in moderating the directness and tone of conversation in the process daily language use and interpersonal communication. These linguistic tools are used to soften statements, introduce uncertainty, or provide a buffer in potentially confrontational situations. Hedges, therefore, possess a distinctive pragmatic value by reducing the force of information in sentences, weakening their assertiveness, and subtly shifting the topic of conversation. This paper adopts the Politeness Principle, as proposed by Geoffrey Leech, as its theoretical framework to explore the pragmatic functions of hedges in language. The analysis is focused on the use of hedges in the prologue of the Holy woman and epilogue of Unmarriageable, employing a qualitative research methodology. Through this lens, the study investigates how hedges are employed by characters to navigate social interactions and manage communication effectively. The findings reveal seven main functions of hedges i.e. softening the situation, giving emotional expression, implying confidence and subjective judgment, rhetorical question, cultural framing, and respect of autonomy. These politeness strategies help to maintain a harmonious and respectful communication environment, play a role in saving face and protecting one's self-image, contribute to politeness by rendering expressions more euphemistic and less direct and finally, enhance the appropriateness and acceptability of words in specific social contexts. These functions underscore the crucial role of hedges in ensuring that narrative communication remains tactful, sensitive, and effective in various interpersonal settings.