Using a wide range of data from real-life speech situations, this introduction to politeness theory breaks away from the limitations of current models. It argues that the proper object of study in politeness theory must be "common sense" definitions of politeness and impoliteness. Richard Watts concludes that a more appropriate model, based on Bourdieu's concept of social practice, can thus be developed.

1. Introducing linguistic politeness; 2. Politeness through time and across cultures; 3. Modelling linguistic politeness I; 4. Modelling linguistic politeness II: Brown and Levinson and their critics; 5. Facework and linguistic politeness; 6. A social model of politeness; 7. Structures of linguistic politeness; 8. Relevance Theory and concepts of power; 9. Politic behaviour and politeness in discourse; 10. Politic behaviour and politeness within a theory of social practice; Glossary of terms; Bibliography.