Politeness and Power in Moroccan Political Discourse: The Strategic Use of French Honorifics

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between politeness and power in Moroccan political discourse, focusing on the strategic use of French honorifics by political figures. Drawing on Brown and Levinson's (1987) politeness theory, it explores how linguistic strategies assert authority and navigate face-threatening acts in high-stakes interactions. Using multimodal discourse analysis, three video recordings of Moroccan political figures, including interviews and speeches, were analyzed to uncover patterns in the use of honorifics across various social and political contexts. The findings reveal that honorifics function as tools for maintaining social hierarchies, where power dynamics are influenced by age, social status, and cultural norms. Additionally, honorifics not only signify deference and respect but also carry nuanced implications that reflect the complexity of political communication in Moroccan society. This research highlights the critical role of linguistic strategies in shaping authority and social relationships in political discourse, offering insights into the interplay between language, identity, and power. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of cultural and contextual factors in understanding the mechanisms of politeness in a multilingual and politically dynamic setting.

Keywords: Politeness Theory, French Honorifics, Moroccan Political Discourse, Power Dynamics, Discourse Analysis.