Representations of Politeness in the Dialogue of “Barbie the Movie”

Abstract

This research investigates the representation of politeness strategies in the dialogue of Barbie the Movie using Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory as the primary analytical framework. The study examines how both positive and negative politeness strategies are employed by male and female characters, revealing their connection to traditional gender stereotypes. The analysis identified a total of 20 politeness instances: 13 cases of positive politeness (65%) and 7 cases of negative politeness (35%). Female characters predominantly used positive politeness strategies, which aligns with traditional views of women as empathetic and relational communicators. However, the film also subverts these norms by showing female characters like Ruth Handler using negative politeness to emphasize autonomy and respect for individual freedom. Conversely, male characters like Ken frequently utilize positive politeness strategies to gain social acceptance, challenging the stereotype of men being emotionally distant. The findings suggest that while the film reinforces some conventional gender norms, it also disrupts others, encouraging a more fluid interpretation of gender roles. This research provides insights into how media representations of politeness strategies can influence and reflect broader societal perceptions of gender and communication.