Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Khadijeh noorani ¹
• زندی zandi ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

² Department of Linguistics, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This research, based on Byman’s theoretical framework and emphasizing the importance of interpretation grounded in cultural context, analyzes the communicative language of Iranians from the perspective of foreign travel writers. The methodology of the study is qualitative, relying on thematic content analysis of travelogues. Accordingly, 30 foreign travelogues were selected. The unit of analysis focused on the language used in Iranian conversations. Data were collected using a checklist and analyzed through double coding along with peer review to ensure the validity and reliability of the results. The data analysis revealed that the communicative language of Iranians can be examined through two key categories—“internal/external confrontation” and “hierarchy of status”—and three concepts: “politeness,” “respect/courtesy,” and “cleverness.” Some travel writers, with deep understanding, have accurately reflected the cultural dimensions and social functions of these behaviors, while others, due to unfamiliarity with semantic systems and cultural schemas, have offered superficial or stereotypical interpretations. The findings emphasize the necessity of a culturally contextual approach in interpreting travelogue narratives and show that neglecting cultural and social contexts can lead to incomplete and unrealistic understandings of Iranian linguistic behaviors.

Keywords

• Context
• culture
• language
• politeness
• ta'arof
• travelogue

Main Subjects

• Sociolinguistics