From Politeness1 to Politeness2: Tracking norms of im/politeness across time and space MARINA TERKOURAFI “Some think that [politeness] theory is irrelevant, in that it fails to correspond to [real life]. This opinion rests often on a misapprehen- sion about [politeness]. It assumes that [it] exist[s] simply and immu- tably, that [it is] permanently established once and for all … Hence that all [politeness] theory has the same (lowish) value” Adapted from Georgia (1994: 100) Abstract Increasing attention to the distinction between first- and second-order im/ politeness has led to considerable soul-searching among theorists regarding which of the two should form the basis of a theory of im/politeness. In this article, I take an alternative path: I build on norms of Politeness1, as attested in influential texts laying out Politeness1 norms in different parts of the world from antiquity to this day, to extract from them the core elements of a theory of Politeness2. By affording us with some glimpses into the diachronic intertwining of Politeness1 and Politeness2, this analy- sis helps explain why it has been so difficult to keep these two notions apart in previous research. At the same time, it suggests some possible ways forward. Specifically, this survey reveals two overarching themes regarding the role of politeness (and, by implication, impoliteness) in these cultures. The first concerns the social regulatory role of Politeness1 norms, while the second concerns the relationship of Politeness1 norms with an underlying morality. I propose that these two elements should be placed at the heart of an empirically grounded theory of Politeness2. Keywords: manuals, courtesy, civility, conduct, etiquette, manners, morals, regulation, religion 1. From Politeness1 to Politeness2: Take I When politeness is mentioned in casual conversation today, ideas about letting the other go first, saying “please” and “thank you”, and table manners usually spring to mind. Politeness is considered a matter of Journal of Politeness Research 7 (2011), 159185 1612-5681/11/0070159 DOI 10.1515/JPLR.2011.009  Walter de Gruyter Brought to you by | University of Manitoba Authenticated Download Date | 2/16/15 12:36 PM