saying please<!-- --> | <!-- -->The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers

The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers


saying please

norm: when it is like this, it is good to do some things (see more)

Many people in Australia think like this:

When I want someone to do something good (for me), it is good if I say this word at the same time 'please'. If I don’t do this, people can think something bad about me.

"Alice wants Riley to lend her a pen. Alice thinks: 'It is good if I say 'please'. If I say 'please', Riley won't think something bad about me.' Alice says: 'Can I borrow a pen, please?' Riley thinks: 'Alice said 'please', I feel something good because of this.'"

"If Ross wants Jane to pass the salt, it is good if Ross says 'please'."

pleasesaying thank youthankbeing polite


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