Giving and Receiving Compliments

The book aims to highlight the process of giving and receiving compliments in Lebanon. This ritual is more than a politeness act. Politeness acts are dynamic interpersonal transactions that do not have a fixed definition. The reader will note how these compliments act as vehicles to ensure smooth systematic communication with members of the same society. Culture and commination both reflect on and emanate from each other. Thus, with compliments often reflecting cultural values, this means that different individuals in different communities will evaluate and respond to the effectiveness of the compliment according to their cultural values and the situation within which they are operating. The cultural context in Lebanon is complex and layered by language, immigration education and religious affiliation, and is enhanced by the frequent international experience of other cultures. Arabs cherish compliments, and the Lebanese are exemplary in this field. The book will mirror the major characteristics of Arabic compliments in terms of having the tendency to carry many adjectives, metaphors, comparatives, using lengthy flowery language, and exaggeration.