The Importance Of Indirectness In Communication

“Indirectness is a fundamental element of communication” (Tannen, 190); one that is frequently taken for granted. Indirectness is used in different ways in different social contexts and carries different implications depending on those and depending on who is using it, but generally it is used as a way of expressing needs without unnecessary pressure. In the workplace there appears to be a marked difference between genders in how directions are given. The texts cites an example of a female manager giving feedback on a project, but never once giving a direct order, only stated possible additions and asked whether certain things were necessary. The intent was not suggestion but a direct instruction, given in that form because the illocutionary

When a Japanese child asks for something that the mother does not wish to give, instead of directly refusing, the mother will distract the child or give reasons as to why they can’t have it or appeal to the emotions of others. While children don’t necessarily need reasons and might even respond better to a direct “no”, the key idea is that by being indirect the mother is maintaining her status as an adult and a parent; she will not use direct language because that is equivalent to speaking like a child and could be seen as her giving up her authority. Saying “no” in even in peer to peer conversations with no familial or occupational power imbalance would be seen as rude and socially inept in Japanese

When I say something like that, it’s not that the thing that I need “would be great”, it just makes the request seem a little more sophisticated and doesn’t cause as much direct conflict or pressure on the person the request is being made to. It isn’t even necessarily an attempt at politeness, in many cases such an expression could be heavily tinged with sarcasm or have a hostile