Compliments in the Modern Bulgarian Language

Nikolay Paskalev
Institute for Bulgarian Language, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to systematically describe compliments in modern Bulgarian language. In this regard, the scope of the category of compliment is first outlined, as by means of a set of functional-semantic and pragmatic differential features, compliments are distinguished from speech acts such as praise, flattering, and congratulations. Special attention is given to compliments as a means of expressing positive politeness, and an interpretation of their relationship with the private sphere of the addressee is also proposed.
Important topic in the work is the classification of compliments in Bulgarian depending on the occasion for their “offering”, as well as their “hierarchization” according on frequency of use and evaluation, which they receive from the language speakers. The subject of the study is also the linguistic means for giving a compliment and for responding to it (verbally and/or nonverbally). Their description is particularly important for defining the cultural specifics of compliments in the Bulgarian language space.

Keywords: compliment, politeness, private sphere of the addressee, cultural specificity