Unstated comparisons between things or events that share some feature.

When speakers assume that those who share their culture will have the same knowledge of a word's meaning and make the same judgments on the correct use of a word.

The substitution of vague or less emotionally charged words for more direct options.

Communication strategies designed to protect our and others' face.

A communication system made up of formal units combined in systematic ways to cooperatively make meaning.

First, be clear, and second, be polite.

The occurrence and ordering of words and sounds to convey an intended meaning.

When a sentence can reasonably be interpreted in more than one way.

The public self-image that we want to claim for ourselves.

Rules describing the proper construction of phrases and sentences.

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