Unpacking the Dynamics of (Im)politeness of “Mepa Wo Kyɛw” (“Please”) in the Ghanaian Context

James Nsoh Adogpa; Jonathan Essuman; Shine Lilian Gifty Agbevivi

doi:10.53941/ics.2026.100001

Abstract

This paper investigates the circumstances under which the use of ‘mepa wo kyɛw’ (please) functions as an indicator of politeness and the extent to which gestures influence its interpretation within the Ghanaian Akan community. Using participant observation as the primary data collection method, the study qualitatively analyses the data through the politeness frameworks of politeness theory. The findings reveal that in the Akan context, ‘mepa wo kyɛw’ (please) does not always signal politeness; rather, it serves to mitigate potential threats to the hearer’s negative face in certain utterances. Moreover, the study establishes that the expression of politeness in Akan interactions depends not solely on the use of ‘mepa wo kyɛw’ (please), but also on accompanying gestures, contextual cues, and cultural knowledge. The research concludes that politeness is contextually and culturally bound, challenging the notion of universalism in politeness theory. Overall, ‘mepa wo kyɛw’ (please) in the Ghanaian context functions primarily as a face-saving device aimed at emotionally minimizing potential communicative damage rather than as an inherent marker of politeness.

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