L'arte di fare complimenti in italiano

Riflessioni pragmatiche ed esercizi

Abstract

How can we teach students to give compliments, acts that reinforce the positive image of the recipient while also satisfying self-politeness, given that compliments are also given to please others and to show competence and confidence in social interaction?
After an introduction to the linguistic act of complimenting, this article presents some strategies and resources available to language teachers to train Italian learners to understand and consciously use these “social reinforcers” that influence everyday interactions. The article concludes with a teaching sheet consisting of six exercises to train learners' pragmatic awareness.