A framework for systematic studies of attitudes in speech

We present here a framework for a systematic study of attitudes expressed by speech. Although the term “attitude” is commonly used to refer to phenomena at several different levels, we shall assign separate terms to each of these levels for the sake of clarity. The term “ attitude” can refer both to a person and an object (either concrete or abstract), here we shall be concerned only with personal relationships. Stances: Those (attitudes) related to official relationships, often influenced by social factors together with long-term personal factors (such as commanding, subordinate, etc.) Attitudes (in the narrow sense): Those referring to private but mid- to long-term relationships, often involving the whole personality (such as kind, friendly, remote, etc.) Manners: Those (attitudes) referring to short-term but somewhat consistent individual behaviors/acts (such as polite, rude, abrupt, etc.) For example, when a teacher tries to call the attention of a young child to an imminent danger, his/her utterance ...