6 Minute English How important is politeness?
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Jun 5, 2025 Delve into the intricate world of politeness and its vital role in communication. Discover how cultural differences shape our understanding of manners. Through humorous anecdotes, explore why teaching politeness to children can be both essential and tricky. Hear a touching story from poet Michael Rosen that highlights societal pressures surrounding behavior. Lastly, unpack the nuances of politeness vocabulary, engaging listeners to consider how personal interpretations influence everyday interactions.
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Michael Rosen's Unusual Greeting
- Michael Rosen was addressed informally by a boy who called him "thingy" and said "innit."
- Despite the informal and seemingly rude language, Michael felt pleased and not insulted by the encounter.
Remember: Mind Your P's and Q's
- The idiom to remind someone to be polite in Britain is 'mind your P's and Q's.'
- Using this phrase encourages attention to politeness and proper manners in social situations.
Politeness Is Subjective
- Politeness is subjective and depends on how the listener perceives an interaction.
- Michael Rosen felt the boy’s informal speech was friendly, not offensive or aggressive.