Politeness of an Insurance Adjuster: Brad Bird’s The Incredibles Insurance Scene
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/ijsmr.v4i6.60Keywords:
Politeness Theory, Face-Threatening Act (FTA), Insurance Adjuster, The Incredibles, SociolinguisticsAbstract
The research was designed to systematically categorize Bob Parr's utterances, comparing them to the sociological variables (Power, Distance, Rank of Imposition) that determine the level of face-threatening acts (FTAs) he performs. Using a qualitative descriptive method based on a line-by-line transcription, the analysis categorized his conversational moves based on established politeness strategies (Bald-on-Record, Negative Politeness, Positive Politeness, Off-Record). The results clearly show that Bob Parr's performance is a balancing act between institutional demands and interpersonal harmony. The analysis confirmed a mixed strategy where Bob Parr uses Negative Politeness (apologies, policy references) and Off-Record communication (the pen/paper hint) to soften claim refusals to a client (Mrs. Hogenson). In contrast, his interaction with his boss (Mr. Huph) is characterized by the boss’s Bald-on-Record and Bob's policy-based defense, highlighting how the power differential dictates the discourse. This research concludes that the choice of politeness strategy is functionally driven, reflecting the conflict between the adjuster's "personal face" (empathy) and "institutional face" (conformity).
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