Language as A Tool of Restriction in Arabic: A Pragmatic Study

Abstract

This study explores the strategies of negative impoliteness in the Arabic-language series Omar (episodes 1–10). Grounded in Culpeper’s (1996) theory of impoliteness strategies. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with a single case study design. Data were purposively selected from transcripts of the series and analyzed inductively using Miles and Huberman’s (1994) model involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Negative impoliteness, which targets the interlocutor’s negative face or their right to autonomy and freedom from imposition, is identified as a dominant strategy within the series. This strategy manifests in various verbal behaviors such as intimidation, belittlement, invasion of personal space, direct association with negative traits, explicit reminders of indebtedness, and obstruction of freedom of action. By focusing specifically on negative impoliteness, this study aims to deepen the understanding of how this strategy operates in verbal interactions, how it affects communication dynamics, and how interlocutors respond to such face-threatening acts. The findings contribute to enriching sociopragmatic knowledge on negative impoliteness, particularly in historical drama contexts, and can serve as a reference for further research on impoliteness and communication strategies in media.