Pragmalinguistic aspects of compliments and praise in English: a study of speech acts as tools for effective communication

Abstract The study aimed to analyse the pragmatic features of compliments and praise in different text genres with an emphasis on their functions and perception in interpersonal and social communication. Qualitative analysis, including a comparative study of texts of classical and contemporary literature, cinema and mass culture, as well as official speeches, were used in the study. The data were systematised and summarised to identify the key characteristics and functions of compliments and praise in each genre, as well as their dependence on cultural and social factors. The results of the study demonstrated that compliments and praise perform important social functions, adapting to the peculiarities of the genre and cultural context. Compliments were typically used to express support, strengthen interpersonal relationships and create a positive atmosphere, especially in informal texts and popular culture. In fiction, the compliments were complex and multilayered, which expanded the emotional component and revealed the peculiarities of character interaction. Praise, on the contrary, was more common in formal texts and served as an expression of respect and recognition of merit, emphasising the status and importance of the individual in society. The practical significance of the results lies in their potential for developing teaching materials to enhance pragmatic competence, particularly for English as a foreign language learners.