From the Pragmatic point of view: Politeness theory and the Letter to Japanese Americans

1. Spring, 2016
Politeness Theory
Letter to Japanese
Americans
By, Jamie Watanabe

2. Historical Background
• In 1942, president Roosevelt signed the
relocation decree
• Over 120,000 Japanese Americans were
relocated to the internment cam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeBKBF
APwNc

3. Cultural Differences
Japanese
• Focus on the intent and
gestures
• Community as whole
American
• Relies heavily on words and
how they are used
• Individualistic

4. Camp Picture

5. Politeness Theory
Politeness is defined as using communicative
strategies to create and maintain social
harmony. (Oxford Learners Dictionary)
Face is the public self-image that every member
want to claim for themselves.”(Brown &
Levinson, 1987) Face –threatening act (FTA)
Positive & Negative

6. The White House
Washington
October 1, 1993
1 Over fifty years ago, the United States Government unjustly interned,
evacuated, or relocated you and many other Japanese Americans. 2 Today, on
behalf of your fellow Americans, I offer a sincere apology to you for the actions
that unfairly denied Japanese Americans and their families fundamental liberties
during World War II. 3 In passing the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, we acknowledge
the wrongs of the past and offered redress to those who endured such grave
injustice. 4 In retrospect, we understand that the nation’s actions were rooted
deeply in radical prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a lack of political leadership. 5
We must learn from the past and dedicate ourselves as a nation to renewing
the spirit of equality and our love of freedom. 6 Together, we can guarantee a
future with liberty and justice for all. 7 You and your family have my best wishes
for the future.
Bill Clinton
FORMAL APOLOGY BILL CLINTON TO INTERNEES (1993)

7. Hisako Watanabe
Hisako was seven years old when she and her
family were relocated to the internment camp.
Although, she holds no resentment for what
happened. The letter she received helped to
close the old wounds that were left behind.

8. Positive Face
Is the desire to be accepted, to be treated as a
member of the group and to know that those
sentiments are shared by others. Example: we
acknowledge the wrongs of the past and offered redress
to those who endured such grave injustice.
Positive face: You feel the words offer a sincere
apology that is shared-And makes you feel good

9. Mary Watanabe
Mary Watanabe was 18yrs.old when she was
relocated. However, unlike her niece Hisako,
she held a lot of resentment in regards to the
letter.
Especially with the speakers intent

10. Negative Face
Is the desire to be independent to have
freedom of action and not to be imposed upon
by others. Example: we acknowledge the wrongs of
the past and offered redress to those who endured
such grave injustice.
Negative Face: compensation for the wrong of
the past does not erase what happen….

11. Conclusion
What took place in 1942 reminds us all of what
can come from racial prejudice, war hysteria,
and poor political leadership.
Although, politeness is universal, we need to
accept and respect cultural variations.