The Relationship between Maxims of Agreement and the Units of the Speech Communication System

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between Leech's maxim of agreement, a key component of politeness theory in pragmatics, and the various units within a speech communication system. The analysis will draw upon existing research to investigate how the maxim of agreement manifests in different communication contexts and how its application (or violation) impacts the effectiveness and perceived politeness of spoken interactions. We will examine the interplay between the maxim of agreement and different levels of the speech communication system, from individual speech acts to broader conversational structures and cultural norms. Understanding this relationship is crucial for improving communication effectiveness across diverse contexts