Discourse and Deference in Iranian EFL Classrooms: A Mixed-Methods Study of Politeness Strategies, Face Management, and Learner Engagement

Kianinezhad, Neda; Ghaniabadi, Saeed; Amirian, Seyed Mohammad Reza; Zareian, Gholamreza

doi:10.22034/ijpie.2026.565372.1196

Discourse and Deference in Iranian EFL Classrooms: A Mixed-Methods Study of Politeness Strategies, Face Management, and Learner Engagement

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Neda Kianinezhad

Saeed Ghaniabadi

Seyed Mohammad Reza Amirian

Gholamreza Zareian

Hakim Sabzevari University, Iran

10.22034/ijpie.2026.565372.1196

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explores how politeness strategies are used in Iranian EFL classrooms and their effects on face management and learner engagement. Drawing on Brown and Levinson’s (1987) framework, the study examines four main politeness strategies: positive politeness, negative politeness, bald-on-record, and off-record. The research investigates how these strategies influence students’ emotional and behavioral engagement. Participants included 150 students and 10 experienced teachers, who completed a 23-item Politeness Strategies in Language Classroom scale (validated using Rasch analysis) and a Learner Engagement Inventory. In addition, eight hours of classroom observation were conducted, and discourse data were analyzed qualitatively to capture authentic classroom interactions. Rasch analysis confirmed the scale’s reliability and unidimensionality. Results indicate that teachers mainly use positive politeness strategies, which are linked to higher student engagement, including motivation, willingness to communicate, and active participation. Bald-on-record and off-record strategies were less frequent and context-specific. Classroom observations also highlighted the role of culturally motivated compliment¹ behaviors in shaping classroom discourse and managing face. These findings underscore the interaction between cultural norms and second language pragmatics, emphasizing the need for culturally informed teaching practices to enhance EFL learning.

Keywords

Politeness strategies

face management

learner engagement

taʿārof

Rasch measurement

Subjects