INTRODUCTION TO THE USE OF COMPLIMENTS IN MONTERREY SPANISH

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the use of compliments in the Mexican community of Monterrey. To this end, we have analyzed two distinct and complementary linguistic corpora, comprised of semi-formal interviews and spontaneous conversational speech. The functional typology of the compliments identified, along with the study of the responses they receive, both shed light on the sociocultural value of these speech acts. In the Mexican politeness system, compliments stand as valorizing actions that enhance the image of the other and simultaneously have a positive impact on self-image, thus serving to reinforce the image of solidarity and closeness that characterizes Mexican culture. In this fashion, compliments constitute an important element of social interaction, which is based on politeness, attachment to the group, and communion with the other.