A Pragmatic Study of Politeness Strategies in...

A Pragmatic Study of Politeness Strategies in Obama’s Nobel Speech

Author Name : Ahmed Khudhair Abbas, N. Solomon Benny

ABSTRACT This research paper investigates the use of politeness strategies in Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech (2009), grounded on Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Theory. Using a qualitative approach, the analysis identifies four main strategies—positive politeness, negative politeness, bald on record, and off record—and examines their pragmatic functions. The findings reveal that all strategies are present, with positive politeness slightly dominant, emphasizing solidarity and shared identity. Negative politeness expresses humility and respect, bald on record conveys moral conviction, and off record demonstrates tact and reflection. The balanced use of politeness strategies highlights Obama’s linguistic skills in achieving clear communication, persuasion and diplomacy, reinforcing his image as both a pragmatic leader and a moral peacemaker.