Diminutives in Kurdish: A Pragmatic Study

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate the pragmatic functions of diminutives in Kurdish. The researchers adopted Brown and Levinson’s model of linguistic politeness in the analysis. The data has been collected through interviews and naturally occurring conversations. The diminutives in Kurdish are used both as positive and negative politeness strategies, for the positive, it marks a friendly interaction, solidarity, expressing affection and endearment. For negative politeness strategy, it aims at minimizing imposition and softening negative statements. The results show that in spite of the central use of diminutives with children, Kurds have taken on the pragmatic functions of minimizing imposition and expressing intimacy and connectedness.