Verbal bullying in the dialogues of ‘AlRawabi School for Girls’: A perspective on Jonathan Culpeper’s impoliteness theory

Fatimah, Erma Nur and Masadi, M. Anwar ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2071-179X (2025) Verbal bullying in the dialogues of ‘AlRawabi School for Girls’: A perspective on Jonathan Culpeper’s impoliteness theory. Lensa: Kajian Kebahasaan, Kesusastraan, dan Budaya, 15 (1). pp. 25-51. ISSN 2086-6100

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Abstract

This study investigates the representation of verbal bullying through impoliteness strategies in the television series AlRawabi School for Girls, employing Jonathan Culpeper’s impoliteness theory. Using a pragmatic discourse framework that includes audiovisual cues—facial expression, tone, and cultural context—this research identifies four key impoliteness strategies: bald-on-record (36%), positive impoliteness (32%), negative impoliteness (28%), and sarcasm or mock politeness (24%). Data were drawn from purposively selected dialogues in the show's first season. The findings reveal that these linguistic strategies are used not only for dramatic effect but also as mechanisms of social domination reinforced by patriarchal norms. The study contributes to pragmatic theory by extending its application to Arabic audiovisual media and highlighting how fictional dialogue reflects real-world power dynamics and gendered social pressures in school settings.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	Verbal bullying, Impoliteness, Jonathan Culpeper, AlRawabi School for Girls
Subjects:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2003 Language Studies > 200318 Middle Eastern Languages
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities > Department of Arabic Language and Letters
Depositing User:	M.anwar Ma masadi anwar
Date Deposited:	09 Dec 2025 09:18

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