The Dynamics of Politeness and Face-Threatening in Pakistani TV Entertainment Talk Shows: Analyzing Host-Guest Interactions

This study examined the pragmatic role of politeness in Pakistani TV entertainment shows, focusing on the strategies employed by the host and guests to navigate face-saving and face-threatening acts. To this end, six episodes from three distinct seasons of the Pakistani TV entertainment show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ were carefully selected, ensuring an inclusive representation of different hosts and guests. A descriptive and analytical research methodology was employed to examine the data taken from the show. The results established on the classification of politeness theory specified that all four strategies were used in interaction among the participants of the show for face-saving and face-threatening. Focusing on three different hosts, the study unfolded how politeness strategies, varied depending on the guest and context. The analysis also revealed that while the hosts of the first two seasons used a similar approach, the host of the third season adopted a more enthusiastic and interactive style, emphasizing positive politeness, especially with guests from the showbiz industry. Subsequently, it was concluded that both face-saving and face-threatening approaches were being engaged in the Pakistani TV entertainment show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ however, their use was arbitrary except for the use of positive strategy in the opening of the show by the host.