Apologies

Apologies are embodied linguistic expressions uttered with the intent to repair breaches in social-personal relations. Apologies influence social harmony, reflect on broader cultural norms and values, and offer a nuanced window into the dynamics of social relations and language use. This chapter by Azeb Amha explores the social meaning of apologies across cultures and variations in the delivery of apologies. It highlights that apologies serve to express politeness, but they also are effective and powerful linguistic means in healing strained interpersonal and inter-group relations.

This book chapter was published in Reference module in social sciences, Elsevier, 2025. Read the chapter (subscribers' access).