Leontovich O.A. Dichotomization as a Basis of Positive Communication Analysis in an Intercultural Context
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/jvolsu2.2023.4.6
Olga A. Leontovich
Doctor of Science (Philology), Professor, Department of Intercultural Communication and Translation, Volgograd State Socio-Pedagogical University
Prosp. Lenina, 27, 400005 Volgograd, Russia
Chief Researcher, Laboratory of Philological Studies, Research Department, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute
Academica Volgina St, 6, 117485 Moscow, Russia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0972-4609
Abstract. The aim of the paper is to investigate the constituent features and mechanisms of positive communication and reveal their correlation with politeness. The study is based on a mixed-method research design including Positive Discourse Analysis, dichotomic division and conversational analysis, and is carried out on the material of the book The Family by Nina Fedorova (1940). The results indicate that the dichotomy positive vs negative attitude is basic for the study and implements the contrast between good and evil, ethical and unethical behaviour. The juxtaposition of attraction vs disattraction refers to the perception of an interlocutor as likable or unlikable. The dichotomy activism vs passivism reflects the willingness or unwillingness to interact, while communication involvement vs alienation is associated with the communicator's engagement in the interlocutor's affairs. The juxtaposition of alterocentrism vs egocentrism indicates whether a communicator is focused on one's own or other people's interests. The dichotomy social support vs social indifference is a reflection of empathy or its absence. In the dichotomy constructive vs destructive communication creative behaviour aimed at resolving a difficult situation is opposed to destructive actions leading to the deterioration or break-up of a relationship. One of the most important constituents of positive communication is congruency which denotes authenticity and correspondence of the person's genuine inner self with the image addressed to the outer world. Positive communication is intrinsically linked with, though not identical to, politeness. The latter does not act as an aim per se, but is rather a tool employed to make an interaction conflict-free, smooth and harmonious.
Key words: positive communication, politeness, dichotomies, attraction, communication involvement, alterocentrism, social support, constructive communication.
Citation. Leontovich O.A. Dichotomization as a Basis of Positive Communication Analysis in an Intercultural Context. Vestnik Volgogradskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta. Seriya 2. Yazykoznanie [Science Journal of Volgograd State University. Linguistics], 2023, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 76-85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/jvolsu2.2023.4.6
Dichotomization as a Basis of Positive Communication Analysis in an Intercultural Context by Leontovich O.A. is licensed under CC BY 4.0
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