condescension and can

Question

We can talk about modal auxiliary verbs in terms of such logical notions as ‘permission’ and ‘necessity’ but, this done, we still have to consider ways in which these notions become remoulded by the social and psychological influences of everyday communication between human beings: factors such as motivation, condescension, politeness, tact and irony. Condescension, for example, in the right context makes the can of 'You can go now' (which in logical terms means no more than ‘permission’) into something approaching a command.

(from p.72 of <Meaning and the English Verb (3rd ed.)> by Geoffrey Leech)

1. In this paragraph, can 'the social and psychological influences' be interpreted as the contraction of 'the social influence and the psychological influence'?

2. In this paragraph, what are the exact meanings of 'condescension' and 'in the right context'?

3. Please tell me the example situation where condescension makes the can of 'You can go now' into something approaching a command rather than permission.

Answer 1

SIDE NOTE: To express permission, the word "may" should actually be used. When I was in school, if we asked: "Teacher, can I go to the bathroom?", the teacher might reply "I don't know, can you?" This was a mocking indication that we had used the incorrect grammar to request permission. "Can" references ability or possibility, but is colloquially, and commonly, used to mean permission, even though this is not strictly correct.

Regardless of the word used for the permission, expressed in a dismissive or impatient tone of voice, or at the critical moment in the conversation where its context would be understood as intolerant, saying "You can/may go now" can definitely sound condescending. It can imply that the speaker no longer desires the presence of the one addressed.

English speakers rely quite heavily on body language and tone of voice to interpret meaning--more so than many other languages might. When these non-verbal cues seem ambiguous, misunderstandings are commonplace. In a text-only environment, the reader is left to infer the intent of the speaker based on the context of the exchange, which is prone to mistaken interpretations.

1. "Social and psychological influences" refer to the affect, or emotional aspect that influences one's thinking based on relationships with others and the suggestions of the mind.

2. "Condescension" means looking down on someone, indicating the speaker feels superior to the one addressed; "in the right context" refers, not to a "correct" context, but rather to a "specific" or "particular" context or setting.

3. Suppose you enter a friend's room, and try to talk to him about an idea which you think is great but for which your friend shows no enthusiasm. In fact, your friend rather dislikes the idea--yet you attempt to be persuasive. Clearly annoyed, your friend, to put an end to the discussion, finally says: "You can go now." In this context, you would understand that your friend no longer desires your presence. It is not merely permission to leave, it is a request that you leave. In this sense, "can" can serve as a command.

Answer 2

1. Yes. That's reasonable, given the meanings of those words. It could also include influences that are both social and psychological, but I think this is too fine a distinction.

2. Condesention, "talking down", that is when a person with authority and high status speaks to a subservient person. The context is one in which the senior person would be in a position to demand that the subservient person leave.

3. You have gone into your boss's office. He is angry with you because you have done something wrong at work. He tells you off. You apologise. He says, "I'm not going to fire you. I'm giving you one more chance. Don't mess it up... You may go now."

I hope it's clear that the boss is not just giving you permission to leave the office, he is telling you to leave.