Evaluation of impoliteness in Japanese: linguistic and non-linguistic aspects

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Abstract This study explores what Japanese lay people evaluate as impolite. The data were obtained from a self-report questionnaire completed by 181 Japanese undergraduates, who were asked to describe instances they perceived as impolite. The data were coded into three categories: linguistically manifested impoliteness, non-linguistically manifested impoliteness, and impoliteness manifested through both linguistic and non-linguistic means, each encompassing several subcategories. The results show that non-linguistically manifested impoliteness instances (bad manners, ignoring, and failure to comply with public rules) (49.11 %) are the most frequently found, followed by the linguistically manifested impoliteness instances (annoying remarks and no use of honorifics) (41.34 %) and both linguistically and non-linguistically manifested instances (e.g., having done something wrong + stating an excuse/blaming the other party) (9.56 %). Impolite evaluations are made: (1) when some linguistic and/or non-linguistic behaviours deviate from expected social norms, the moral order and ideology; (2) when some linguistic and/or non-linguistic behaviours are met with no reciprocal response; (3) when some linguistic and/or non-linguistic behaviours lack consideration; and (4) when some non-linguistic behaviours disturb other people and receive public denunciation. Finally, the study discusses these conceptualisations in relation to previous im/politeness research.