A Conflict Talk Analysis of Sherlock Based on Face Theory

Xuran Ma

doi:10.63313/LLCS.9043

Authors

Xuran Ma Nanning Normal University, School of Foreign Languages, Nanning 530000, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/LLCS.9043

Abstract

This study aims to explore the response strategies in conflict talk and their role in interpersonal communication, particularly the application of face theory in the analysis of conflict talk. The research material consists of the first and sec-ond seasons of the BBC miniseries "Sherlock," focusing on the conflict talk be-tween the main characters Sherlock and John Watson. From the perspective of face theory, the study examines the strategies employed by communicators to maintain face during conflicts and how these strategies influence the resolution of conflicts. The findings indicate that Sherlock and Watson employ a variety of response strategies in conflicts, including negative face threatening acts, posi-tive face threatening acts, face raising acts, and medium acts. The selection of these strategies is influenced by factors such as pragmatic distance and turn-taking. The study highlights the importance of face maintenance in specific social contexts and provides valuable insights for understanding and improving interpersonal communication in real life.

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