Politeness Strategies in Squid Game: A Pragmatic Analysis of Power, Survival, and Social Interaction

Abstract

Politeness theory has been widely applied in the pragmatics, yet little is known about its role in leadership portrayal in survival games. This study aims to examine the politeness strategies which have been utilized by the Song Gi hun ( the main character ) in South Korean series called Squid Game through the lens of Brown and Levinson's (1987) theory of politeness. The research concentrates on episodes 1, 2, 8, and 9 and aims to investigate how Gi Hun employs the linguistic strategies ranging from desperation-induced bluntness to careful, empathetic communication that is supportive of his emergence as a leader. This research adopts the qualitative method and analyze 255 dialogues from the series, this research classifies into on record, positive, negative, off-record, and avoidance strategies usage. It is found that on-record politeness is the most frequently used strategy (56%) reflecting urgency and directness in discussing stressful circumstances. As the story progresses, however, Gi-hun increasingly engages in positive and negative politeness, as well as off-record strategies, displaying his adaptability and emotional intelligence as well as his strategic leadership skills. In a broader sense, the research demonstrates how politeness strategies in extreme environments do not only reflect power and social relationships but also contribute to the development of leadership, thus filling the pragmatic standpoint in high-stakes public narratives.