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In:Informality in Japanese: Getting close in a formal context
Edited by Haruko Minegishi Cook and Momoko Nakamura
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 357] 2027
► pp. 71–89

Chapter 4
Invoking rapport and feelings of usualness

Effects of quotidian reframing in a formal context

 | Stanford University
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
Speakers stylistically depart from general expectations of formality and use (non)linguistic expressions that are more closely associated with informal or intimate interactions for reasons as various as the devices that are used. In many instances, the speaker intentionally frames what is being talked about as something familiar and quotidian. Such quotidian framing is accomplished through linguistic and non-linguistic cues that are consonant with informal and intimate situations. By examining examples in three different formal settings (1) a retelling of a doctor-patient exchange to a first-time acquaintance, (2) a TV talk show and (3) Twitter postings by a political party, the styling practice of indexing closeness in formal contexts is seen from the perspective of quotidian (re-)framing of the communicative context (e.g. Matsumoto 2011) as a means to evoke rapport among the participants of the interaction and to present the subject of discussion as being informal and usual.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Quotidian (re)framing
  • 3.Invoking quotidian feelings in a formal context
    • 3.1Conversational interview with researcher — retelling of a doctor’s instructions
    • 3.2TV talk show interview — story about the third cancer surgery
    • 3.3Twitter postings by a political party: Communicating to (potential) supporters
  • 4.Conclusion
  • Author queries
  • Acknowledgement
  • References
  • Appendix
References (26)
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