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In:Handbook of Pragmatics: 22nd Annual Installment
Edited by Jan-Ola Östman and Jef Verschueren
[Handbook of Pragmatics 22] 2019
► pp. 203–224

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Ta’ārof

Pragmatic key to Iranian social behavior

 | University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Published online: 23 December 2019
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/hop.22.taa1
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The linguistic mechanics of Ta’ārof
    • 2.1Ta’ārof and the Persian verb
    • 2.2Ta’ārof and pronouns
    • 2.3Ta’ārof and polite discourse
    • 2.4Befarmā’id
  • 3.Behavioral ta’ārof
    • 3.1Deference in physical movement and comportment
    • 3.2Seating
    • 3.3Greeting
    • 3.4Accepting things
    • 3.5Guests and hosts
  • 4.Using Ta’arof in pragmatic interaction
    • 4.1Expressing disapproval
    • 4.2Face-saving
    • 4.3Overpraise as defense of reputation
    • 4.4Actual refusal
  • 5.Understanding the logic of Ta’ārof
    • 5.1Hierarchy and strategies of Ta’ārof
    • 5.2Inside and outside
  • 6.Conclusion
  • References
References (32)
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