Human-Computer Etiquette

Computational models oF etiquette and Culture 83

perceived as anything from rude to appropriate, to overly-polite, when

used in dierent contexts or in dierent cultures. In other words, the

same redressive value (V(A

x

)) may be viewed as too little, just right, or

too much, depending on the value of the face threat present, which, in

turn, is dependent on the context of the interaction. Suppose someone

says, “Pick up your books!” is may not be considered inappropriate

when spoken by a parent to a child, but it will certainly be considered

rude if spoken by the same adult to her boss.

Dierences in perceived politeness may also occur between dif-

ferent observers of the same conversation because they may hold

dierent beliefs about ...