Compliments

On the face of it, it appears a straightforward matter to define and categorize compliments. It is typically a positive comment given to someone by someone else. This positive comment can address different values such as possessions, appearance, abilities, and skills as well as a combination of these.

In addition to the compliment, there is typically a compliment response, which is the response by the person receiving the compliment. This can occur over the course of one response or through interaction.

The reality is that both aspects can be complex and require the proper language and sociocultural knowledge. The combination of the compliment and the compliment response is called a compliment sequence.

Let's look at an example to get an idea of a compliment sequence in Spanish. Remember, a compliment sequence includes both the compliment and the compliment response.

Play the conversation between Laura (right) and Carolina (left). They are two close friends from Venezuela meeting to talk. In this situation, Carolina compliments Laura on the necklace she is wearing. As you watch, see if you can find the compliment as well as the response to that compliment.

Were you able to find both a compliment and response?

If you need to, play the conversation again, and then describe the compliment and the compliment response below.

Compliment

Compliment Response

In this module, we will examine various pragmatic strategies you can use in Spanish to compliment and to respond to a compliment in an appropriate manner.

At the end of this module, you will know how to:

1. Identify the compliment, the compliment response, and the communicative function of a compliment sequence in a variety of contexts.
2. Give compliments in Spanish using a variety of appropriate pragmatic strategies (sociocultural and language).
3. Respond to compliments using a variety of appropriate pragmatic strategies (sociocultural and language).
4. Consider important social factors within the context of compliment sequences.
5. Interpret and examine piropos (unique idiomatic expressions often found in the realm of compliments).

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