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The Communicative Act of Ostensible Lies in Academia

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  • Saleem Abdelhady
  • Konstantinos Pitychoutis

Abstract

This study examines the pragmatic role of ostensible lies—communicative acts in which falsehoods are mutually recognized but strategically presented as truth—in academic interactions within Jordanian culture. The problem addressed is the limited understanding of these socially coordinated lies and their functions in educational settings. The study's significance lies in its contribution to uncovering how such lies facilitate communication, negotiation of authority, and social boundaries. Data were gathered through informal interviews where participants recounted experiences with ostensible lies in academic contexts. The analysis involved identifying these lies and interpreting their off-record pragmatic purposes. The results reveal that ostensible lies serve several key functions, including avoiding compliments, softening authority, issuing indirect warnings, promoting self-reliance, easing fears of repercussions, persuasion, and maintaining interpersonal boundaries. These findings offer insights into the intersection of cultural norms and pragmatic strategies, with future research needed to explore their effects on educational outcomes and cross-cultural comparisons.

Suggested Citation

  • Saleem Abdelhady & Konstantinos Pitychoutis, 2025. "The Communicative Act of Ostensible Lies in Academia," Studies in Media and Communication, Redfame publishing, vol. 13(1), pages 135-153, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rfa:smcjnl:v:13:y:2025:i:1:p:135-153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Russel J. Aporbo & Judy Marie C. Barabag & Bernadette U. Catig & Christine Maybelle P. Claveria, 2024. "Face-threatening and Face-saving Speech Acts of Teachers: A Discourse Analysis of Classroom Interactions," World Journal of English Language, Sciedu Press, vol. 14(3), pages 413-413, May.
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      JEL classification:

      • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
      • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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