Approbation Maxim Politeness Principles Applied by the Main Characters in
maximize praise of other. In modesty maxim, the speaker adheres the rules to minimize praise of self and maximize dispraise of self. Additionally, modesty maxim
is generally found in self deprecating expression. The modesty maxim is applicable in expressive and assertive illocutionary act categories. In the application of the
principle, the findings show that Molly applies the principle twice in her conversation. Below are the examples of the use of the maxim used by Molly in
Uptown Girls.
In this example, the maxim is used under negative politeness strategy. The conversation occurs at the boutique.
Extract 22
Ingrid : Molly, I thought you were dead. Molly : Neals in the other room.
Ingrid : That guy is still there? You always do this. When are you gonna
grow up?
Molly : Hes never going to leave. All he does is mope and play these loser songs. Help me, please. I dont know how to get rid of
this guy without breaking his heart. 007P1MM
The conversation happens between Molly and Ingrid. After Molly’s birthday
party, Neal stays at her house for a week. Neal feels that he cannot work if he still stays at her house. Then, he decided to go to his house. Molly does not want Neal to
leave her. On the other hand, she was bored about Neal’s activity. Then, she calls Ingrid to help her to solve this problem. Then, Molly is applied Modesty maxim. She
is minimizing praise of herself by saying
I dont know how
. It implies that she needs a help from Ingrid.
In the next example, the maxim is used under negative politeness strategy. It occurs at ballet’s room.
Extract 23 at ballet’s room
Molly : You sure looked great out there. I just, you know... Yelling at you the other day and all...Im sorry.
Ray : What are you doing here?
Molly : I called Roma, your mom... and she said that if you said that it was okay. Could I have my job back, please?
Ray : Youre on probation.
021P1MM
The conversation happens between Molly and Ray. That afternoon, Molly comes to the ballet room to say sorry to Ray. After that, she also wants to get her job
back as a nanny. Molly is minimizing praise of self to reach her goal. Molly utters
could I have my job back, please?
to beg for the job to Ray.