The Use of Polite Language, Essay Example

To most people, polite language inspires feelings of respect and integrity. Saying “please” or “thank you” is therefore a symbol of one’s desire to respect others and to be respected. Contemporary theoretical perspective psychologists have different views; all aimed at explaining why human beings exhibit such behavior.

The behavioral perspective tends to focus on learned behavior and how such behaviors are reinforced. In a society where norms exist and where polite language is considered valuable, members’ of that society learn polite behavior from an early age. People therefore learn to use polite language from others in the society.

The unconscious mind according to the psychodynamic perspective plays a significant role in influencing behavior. Experiences in interpersonal relationships and childhood experiences among others could determine behavior. A person who lives with people who always use polite language or in a society where such behavior is encouraged is likely to say “please” or “thank you” without even noticing it. It is in their unconscious mind such that they automatically react politely.

Psychologists from the contemporary humanistic perspective explain such behavior in terms of motivation. People are therefore likely to use polite language where they know that such behavior will yield desired results. For example, using “please” may increase a person’s willingness to extend a favor.

Physiological psychologists tend to focus on biological perspectives. Depending on the environment, people may choose to use polite language so as to easily get along with persons of different physiological characteristics. Weak people for example are more likely to use polite language as opposed to strong people who expect others to fear them due to their physical strength.

In explaining behavior, cognitive psychologists draw from people’s ability to think, remember, solve problems, make decisions and learn language. The use of polite language is therefore a question of determining what is wrong or right; and instances where the use of polite language is desirable through learning and memory.

According to socio-cultural psychologists therefore, values and norms associated with polite behavior; which are also highly emphasized in the society, greatly influence a person’s use of such language.

The above discussion effectively illustrates that different contemporary psychologists have diverse views on what influences behavior. It is therefore correct to say that people use polite language with different objectives.