Strategies of reprimand in Saudi Spoken Arabic: a sociopragmatic study

Abstract

This study investigates reprimand strategies in spoken Arabic within the societal context of Saudi Arabia. A total of 60 Saudi citizens, equally distributed between 30 males and 30 females, participated in the study. Data collection took place at the Riyadh Park Mall, where participants were asked to complete a Discourse Completion Task (DCT) consisting of ten questions in five different contexts. The approach adopted in this study draws on García’s categorization of reprimanding strategies in conjunction with Brown and Levinson politeness theory. The analysis focused on participants’ responses and their use of positive and negative strategies to achieve their interactional goals. The study reveals that reprimand strategies vary based on context and relationships. The bald-on record strategy prevails in familial settings, while positive politeness, negative politeness, and off-record strategies are evident in professional or public spaces. No notable distinctions were observed between males and females in terms of the utilization of reprimand strategies. However, age influences strategy choices, as older individuals tend to favor direct approaches, and assertive personalities align with direct strategies. These findings contribute valuable insights into the interplay of linguistic, cultural, and contextual elements shaping reprimand practices in Saudi Spoken Arabic.