Ying Xie

This study examines the linguistic patterns and functions of compliments in romantic interactions within the reality show Heart Signal. Drawing on Austin and Searle’s speech act theory, it explores how linguistic practices shape relationships and cultural norms in mediated courtship. Analyzing transcribed dialogues, the research investigates compliment typologies, responses, and pragmatic roles. Finding reveal four primary compliments patterns: direct, implicit, interrogative, and comparative. Direct expressions dominate to foster rapid rapport. Response strategies include degradation, upgrading, confirmation, transfer, and return, with degradation prevalent due to cultural modesty. Compliments serve multiple functions: praise, agreement, comfort, flattery, and phatic communication, with praise central to expressing attraction. The analysis highlights how these practices balance self-expression with societal humility norms, particularly in modern autonomous courtship. While advancing understanding of romantic compliment dynamics, limitations include scripted elements and cultural specificity. Future research could extend this framework to natural conversations across cultures. This work bridges compliment studies with mediated communication, enriching sociolinguistic literature.

Compliments; Pragmatic functions; Reality TV shows; Romantic interactions

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