Polite Language

Friends Of late, there is a perceptible fall in the standard of language used in public discourse by individuals holding responsible positions. Let's take note and make a plea. Going a step further, can we not avoid digging out and discussing old obsolete stamps from our collection, which may not add to wellness and happiness, anyway? M G Warrier A Polite language* Polite language serves as a crucial tactical tool in political communication, balancing public diplomacy with the strategic need to manage conflict and appeal to voters. In intense public confrontations, the deliberate use of polite or measured language acts as a calculated rhetorical choice rather than mere compliance with social norms. The Strategic Functions of Politeness in Public Spars Preserving Face and Authority : Pragmatic politeness frameworks (such as Brown and Levinson's politeness theory) demonstrate that politicians use "negative politeness" to minimize imposition or "positive politeness" to build rapport. During debates, this allows a politician to counter an opponent's point without triggering a defensive escalation that could derail their own message. Gaining Public Sympathy : Research indicates that maintaining language decorum acts as a powerful political strategy. When an opponent resorts to aggressive or derogatory rhetoric, a politician who responds with composure and structured courtesy often captures the moral high ground, swaying neutral or undecided voters. De-escalation and Control : Public arguments are highly volatile. Polite language markers (like consultative devices or softened refutations) help a speaker maintain emotional control under pressure, preventing an unfavorable, emotional outburst on camera. The Consequences of Eroding Decorum When the standard of public discourse drops, the impact extends beyond the immediate debate : Normalizing Hostility : The frequent use of personal insults, crude language, or unparliamentary terms lowers overall civic standards and models aggressive behavior for the general public. Shifting Focus from Policy : Public spars that degenerate into mudslinging deflect attention away from performance, structural legislation, and government accountability, reducing substantive political debate to media controversies. Social and Institutional Friction : Aggressive public rhetoric can aggravate political polarization, leading to social unrest and institutional standoffs between opposing factions. Rules of Engagement : Institutional and Electoral Safeguards To prevent verbal hostility from dominating public spaces, democratic structures rely on distinct boundaries: Unparliamentary Language Lists : Legislative bodies maintain specific lists of prohibited or "unparliamentary" expressions to curb physical and verbal aggression within government chambers. Electoral Codes of Conduct : Independent regulatory bodies, like the Election Commission, strictly monitor public campaigns to enforce discipline and penalize the use of defamatory or inflammatory speech. Administrative Directives : In certain instances, regional governments issue official codes of conduct to mandate institutional courtesy and respectful language between elected officials and public servants to preserve operational stability. (*Content source : Web Search) B Media Response* The Editor The Economic Times October 26, 2026 Chat Room Courteous language Apropos the report "Row Over Kharge's Remark; Congress Defends" (October 26) one is tempted to comment that senior political leaders irrespective of their affiliation to ruling party or opposition need to show restraint in language while engaging in public spars. Some self regulation, by consensus among major political parties on avoiding individuals with uncomfortable background for contesting legislative positions or even leadership hierarchy within the party, is also overdue. M G Warrier Mumbai *Not published C Pencil* A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX : 1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK . 2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE. 3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU. 4.) IN LIFE , YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS, WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER. 5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU. We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you and then allow yourself to be guided by the hand of God. (*Content received from Dr T V Gopalakrishnan, Ex-RBI, Bangaluru) D Reader's Response : Vishwaroopa Darshanam Shri P R Srinivasan, Ex-RBI, Chennai says : The write-up about Vishwaroopa Darshanam by Shri Warrier is excellent and took me back to 1960s period. As a new entrant to Madras City life. I was a very good boy at that time, getting a fat gross salary of ₹ 195-50p. from RBI, as Clerk gr II temp. Enjoying the life with friends, bachelor life. Room rent, hotel meals all total expenses monthly about ₹ 125 only My only entertainment was to attend Kathakalakshepams in the evening. Shri Sengalipuram Anantharama Deeksithar's Guruvaurappan story and his emotional way of telling the "Agre Pasyami" slokam will bring Lord Guruvaurappan before my eyes, unforgettable days. After some years when I visited Guruvayur temple, I saw the big portraits of Shri Deekshidhar, and also Sembai Shri Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, a great Carnatic musician who was also my favourite Vidwan always. I offered my humble respects to these two Great men with folded hands. It is not known now whether these big size photos are still there or not at this distance of time. (After Deeksidhar, Dhamal Ramakrishnan 's upanyasam about Vishwaroopa dharshanam Agre Pasyami, is very super in the present days. He is the brother of TV news reader Varadarajan (for information)