Language is an everyday tool that we use to communicate with one another, a very useful tool, it can also be a potential way to offend someone When engaging in conversation both parties have the potential of offending someone, though it’s imperative that we engage in conversation. When reading Impoliteness in Language: Studies on Its Interplay with Power in Theory and Practice, the authors Bousfield and Locher states that, “Impoliteness has a means to negotiate relationships”(P.4). In context of relative power play this can immediately change the way someone is perceived by another. The author use the example of what can be perceived an impolite can be shared with a larger group, however it depends who is making the rules. This is true, how a group identifies impoliteness which can potentially offend a certain group or individual is totally dependent on the norms of the group. It’s important to establish the definitions in the beginning to prevent an individual from being offended or discriminated against in an for example work environment. This will prevent miscommunication and make sure that things are in order and benefit the entire group as a whole.

Bousfield & Locher. (2008). Impolitness in Language: Studies on Its Interplay with Power in Theory and Practice. Berlin. GmbH and Co. Fusion.