Trust games as a model for requests

Abstract

We apply of Game Theory to linguistic politeness, considering requests as the canonical speech act where polite expressions factor in. As making a request is necessarily both strategic and asymmetric, we adapt Trust Games, modifying them by the notions of reputation, face, and repetition. Given this framework, our results show that although some polite requests may not be rational under one-shot situations, they may become so under assumptions of reputation or observation. We also derive constraints for the levels of politeness that are necessary and sufficient for cooperative behavior. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.