SPEECH ACT OF ETIQUETTE APOLOGY IN THE BRITISH

COMMUNICATION TRADITION
S. Kambarova
Bachelor 1st year, Fergana State University
kambarova1615@icloud.com
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the speech act
of etiquette apology in the British communicative tradition. Etiquette apologies
are an important aspect of British communication, reflecting cultural norms,
politeness and social expectations. By analyzing a variety of sources, including
literature, historical documents and contemporary examples, this study shows
the characteristics and functions of etiquette in British society.
The study examines the linguistic and nonverbal components of an etiquette
apology, such as the use of polite speech, tone of voice, body language, and
gestures. It also explores the social roles and power dynamics that influence the
giving and acceptance of apologies in different contexts, such as formal settings
or interpersonal relationships.
In addition, the article analyzes the cultural values and norms embedded in
British etiquette, including the concepts of humility, responsibility and
maintaining social harmony. It examines how these values have shaped
expectations and responses to apologies in British communication.
This study contributes to the understanding of the speech act of etiquette
apology in the British communicative tradition, shedding light on its cultural
significance and role in maintaining social relationships and resolving conflicts.
The results of this study have implications for intercultural communication and
can provide information to individuals and organizations in their interactions
with UK counterparts.
Key words: communication, etiquette in society, speech etiquette, linguistic
components, power dynamics, cultural values and norms.
For several centuries, people have been using sentence structures without
thinking that are deeply significant for everyday life. A person uses language
units not only to convey this or that information to the addressee, but also to
construct a culturally composed sentence to maintain a conversation. “A person
uses units of language not only to transmit information, but also to “construct”
communication.” [1; 161]
Each sentence carries a flow of information, which is enriched by a motivated
incentive or desire to improve the state of communication. By referring to the
norms and rules of speech etiquette, a person can maintain and control the
situation, while correctly selecting and using words/expressions, tone of voice,
body language and gestures. A set of such rules and a set of linguistic laws
stabilizes the relationship between the speaker and the addressee, which as a
result delineates their relationship and improves speech standards.
This article examines the speech act of using apologetic formulas in British
communicative communities. The daily life of each person is shaped by
building a dialogue with an opponent, without loading the sentence with heavy
semantic meaning and structure, for example, it could be a greeting, farewell or
exchange of politenesses; this type of speech act is called phatic
communication. “We understand an apology as a form of phatic communication
associated with the conventions of privacy and social image, correlated with the
emotional sphere of the individual.” [1; 162]
In this situation, the use of apology formulas helps to establish personal
boundaries and prevents further types of disagreements.
As is already known, from the historical point of formation, a certain type of use
of etiquette apologies has developed. Based on sources and people's stories,
British English has incorporated a system of phatic speech acts in the name of
preventing personal conflicts.
The British are known for the fact that every day their speech is not complete
without the use of etiquette apology formulas. They apologize for everything,
for the weather, for someone’s clumsiness (as if they feel Spanish shame), for
everything that you can ask for forgiveness, the British, Canadians, Welsh,
Scots and others ask for forgiveness for everything. This has been passed on for
several generations in a row, from family to family, given that the state leaders
themselves publicly ask for forgiveness to their people.
A social survey was conducted, where statistics provided a picture that almost
every eighth Briton asks for forgiveness at least 10 times a day, this has already
become a habit. It is important to consider that the use of words such as Sorry!
Pardon! Excuse me, My apologies, etc. have different meanings in completely
different situations.
“The modern English word sorry, expressing regret or apology, comes from the
Old English sarig, meaning “upset, distressed or grieving.” But, of course, most
British people put a more superficial meaning into it.” (3)
Perhaps the British people use the word Sorry more often than others, but this
does not mean that they deeply regret in this situation; showing respect and
respect for others is at the first level for everyone. For example, if you want to
apologize for displaying a disrespectful tone of manner or disturbance caused
by your impact on the external environment (slammed a door, window or
dropped something, perhaps hit the table hard, interrupted your interlocutor,
asked a passerby for directions, disturb those sitting while making your way to
your place in the theater/cinema, pushed someone, etc.) you should use
expressions such as:
“Sorry.
Excuse me.
I beg your pardon.
Sorry to trouble you
I am very sorry; I do hope I have not hurt you
I do feel sorry” [3; 19]
Let's consider situations where these statements can be used; they can be both
formal and informal meetings.
Example 1. You happened to leave home late and you urgently need to go to
work, or more specifically to a morning briefing. Based on an unforeseen
situation, you break into the door and first of all ask for forgiveness, since you
disturbed the speaker and were late, in this case there is no violation of the law
or this does not happen every day just to get you fired, it happened once and
perhaps without getting confused On the way, you warned your colleagues
about the situation of being late. After you entered, using the apology formula,
you showed respect for your interlocutors and the speaker. In this case, the word
Sorry is pronounced in a normal voice, not too quietly, and not too loudly, it is
also worth noting that there is no use of sign language (exceptions if you are not
in a group of people with disabilities), just apologize and quietly take your
place, when finished briefing, you can again ask for forgiveness or simply say
hello to your colleagues.
Example 2. You are at a conference where new possibilities for using
language/its functioning, etc. are being presented. You arrived at the conference
on time and took your seat. Time has passed when the time comes for questions
or during the explanation of the topic something became unclear to you. In this
situation, the first thing to use is body language, that is, you raise either the left
or the right with the index finger looking up, thereby attracting attention to
yourself while saying an apologetic form of address, for example, Pardon me! /
Excuse me! after the question is asked and at the end, when the answer has been
given, you thank the respondent.
Example 3. You are at a bus stop, when someone dropped a wallet, you saw that
a young lady was carefully checking her pockets and bag and asking everyone if
no one had seen her wallet. Here, without a doubt, you are heading towards her.
In a higher voice you call the ladies with an exciting appeal in the Excuse form
me / Sorry! catching the girl's attention after she notices you. You again ask for
forgiveness in a calm voice and ask the question whether this wallet was hers, if
it’s her wallet, accept gratitude in return, but if not, ask for forgiveness again,
since you disturbed her attention, and contact the nearest lost property office,
since the wallet can store the information of the owner and the authority will
take care of finding the person.
Example 4. You have been invited to a gala party in the evening at 17:30, but
you cannot attend due to the current situation. In order for the person who
invited you not to worry or hold a grudge against you, you should take it
seriously and write or call, if you live in the same city, it would be much better
to call and explain the situation, after you have made the call, thank your friend
for the invitation and apologize that you cannot come, and do not forget to tell
the reason for your absence. But if you live far from each other, in different
cities, send a letter that you cannot come, first of all write in the letter your
name (if desired, city, country, phone number and date), the name of the
recipient (if desired, his city/country and number), then ask for forgiveness that
you will not be present, explain the reason, how you can make amends, again
regret what happened and at the end your name and signature. Example short
letters: “Dear [Name],

I am truly sorry for missing [Event]. It was important to me, and I regret not
being able to be there. Unfortunately, [Brief Reason for Absence]. I understand
that my absence may have caused some inconvenience, and for that, I
apologize.

To make up for it, I would love to [Suggestion for Making Amends]. Please let
me know what would be convenient for you.

Again, I apologize and hope to make it right.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] " (5)

There are also cases when an apology can be conveyed through a third party:

“John sends his excuses, but he has been delayed at the office - John asks sorry
him: he delayed on work.

Alan is sorry he could not come, but he had to leave town suddenly – Alan
regrets that _ Not could come: him had to suddenly leave from cities. " [3; 20]

Such cases can happen to anyone and, in particular, this is observed at business
meetings. For example, you are the minister of the Senate chamber and were
unable to attend the meeting because you had to leave the city for work. Just let
your assistant/right hand know how your apology will be conveyed through a
third party.

So, the British people ask for forgiveness at every opportunity, which is an
example to follow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we note that the speech act of etiquette apology plays a

significant role in the British communicative tradition. Through the analysis of
various sources and cultural aspects, this study has identified the characteristics,
functions and cultural values associated with etiquette in British society.

The study found that British communication is characterized by the use of polite
speech, tone of voice, body language and gestures. These linguistic and
nonverbal components are used to express sincerity, remorse, and a desire for
reconciliation. An etiquette apology also reflects social roles: people in
leadership positions or higher social status are expected to apologize more
formally and sincerely.

In addition, the study identified the concepts of humility, responsibility and

restoration of social harmony. Apologies are seen as a means of admitting
mistakes, taking responsibility and asking for forgiveness, thereby strengthening
social cohesion and maintaining relationships.

Future research in this area could continue to explore the nuances and variations
of etiquette apologies across contexts and cultures.
 Bibliography

1. LINGUOCULTURAL SPECIFICITY OF THE SPEECH ACT

“ETIQUETTE APOLOGY” IN THE BRITISH COMMUNICATION
TRADITION Valentina Aleksandrovna Litvinova Volgograd State
University, Volgograd, Russian Federation [1; 161]

2. LINGUOCULTURAL SPECIFICITY OF THE SPEECH ACT

“ETIQUETTE APOLOGY” IN THE BRITISH COMMUNICATION
TRADITION Valentina Aleksandrovna Litvinova Volgograd State
University, Volgograd, Russian Federation [1; 162]

3. “I CAN SPEAK ENGLISH”, LP Stupin, SV Voronin, Ed. Leningrad

State University, 1961 [3; 19]

4. “I CAN SPEAK ENGLISH”, LP Stupin, SV Voronin, Ed. Leningrad

State University, 1961 [3; 20]

5. https://www.bbc.com/russian/uk/
2016/03/160314_vert_fut_why_british_always_say_sorry

6. https://requestletters.com/home/samples-of-apology-letter-for-missing-
an-event#google_vignette