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A Brief History

In many cultures, politeness is about being nice. In Turkish, it’s often about preventing things from going terribly wrong.

In this episode of Mind the Turkish, we explore how Turkish speakers use politeness not just to show respect — but to manage tension, avoid conflict, soften refusals, and navigate socially risky situations. From indirect language and strategic ambiguity to phrases that mean more than they seem, you'll discover how everyday expressions function as tools of social survival.