Verbal Representation and Cultural Specificity of Gratitude in British Formal Communication: Diachronic Approach

This study investigates the evolution of expressions of gratitude in British formal communication, focusing on BAFTA award acceptance speeches delivered in the periods from 1988-1995 and 2020-2024. Employing a diachronic approach, the research examines how socio-cultural changes have influenced these expressions over time. The combination of Critical Discourse Analysis, Politeness Theory, and Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory, reveals distinct patterns. Early speeches were informal and personal, while contemporary ones are more formal and politically engaged. Winners frequently use hyperboles, understatements, and metaphors to convey gratitude, with repetition being a consistent device across periods. The findings highlight shifts in the tone and style of speeches, reflecting broader cultural trends. This study fills a research gap by providing a comprehensive understanding of the historical trajectory of gratitude expressions in British formal settings, contributing to the discourse on language, culture, and society.