Politeness Theory Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does Politeness Theory explain?

How to insult others effectively

How individuals promote and protect their identities during interactions (correct)

Strategies for avoiding social situations

None of the above

What are the assumptions of Politeness Theory?

Individuals are concerned with maintaining face, humans are rational and goal-oriented regarding face, and some behaviors are fundamentally face-threatening.

What is 'face' in the context of Politeness Theory?

One's desired self-image.

What is 'positive face'?

A person's need to be liked, appreciated, and admired by select people. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'negative face'?

A person's desire to act freely, without constraints or input from others. Signup and view all the answers

What are face-threatening acts?

Apologies, compliments, criticisms, requests, and threats. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of facework?

To thwart or minimize face-threatening acts. Signup and view all the answers

What does preventive facework involve?

Avoiding topics, changing the subject, or pretending not to notice a face-threatening act. Signup and view all the answers

What is corrective facework?

Messages aimed at restoring face after a face-threatening act, such as avoidance, humor, apologies, or explanations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are ways to threaten someone's face?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is avoidance in the context of face-threatening acts?

Choosing not to communicate in ways that would create embarrassment or a loss of face for another. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'off-record' communication entail?

Subtly hinting or indirectly mentioning the face-threatening topic. Signup and view all the answers

What is negative politeness?

When the speaker acknowledges the other's negative face needs and apologizes. Signup and view all the answers

What is positive politeness?

Emphasizing the receiver's need to be liked through flattery and compliments. Signup and view all the answers

What is bald on record?

Making statements without attempting to protect the other's face. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence what facework strategy to use?

The wealth and title of the person, their power over you, and the risk of hurting them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Politeness Theory Overview

Politeness Theory examines how individuals manage face in social interactions, especially during potentially embarrassing situations.
It focuses on maintaining and protecting both one’s own and others’ identities through communication strategies.

Key Assumptions

Maintaining face is a universal concern for all individuals.
People act rationally and with goals in mind when considering face.
Certain behaviors can inherently threaten face and provoke discomfort.

Concept of Face

Face refers to an individual's desired self-image and public persona in social contexts.

Positive Face

Positive face reflects the need for being liked, appreciated, and admired by select individuals.

Negative Face

Negative face encapsulates the desire for personal freedom, acting without external constraints or interference.

Face Threatening Acts (FTAs)

FTAs include actions such as apologies, compliments, criticisms, requests, and threats that can jeopardize one's face.

Facework Strategies

Facework involves specific messages that mitigate or counteract the effects of FTAs.

Preventive Facework

Preventive facework strategies include avoiding sensitive topics, changing the subject, or pretension to ignore an FTA to prevent embarrassment.

Corrective Facework

Corrective facework consists of messages aimed at restoring face after an FTA occurs, such as humor, apologies, and explanations.

Strategies for Threatening Face

Common strategies include:
- Avoidance
- Off-record communication
- Negative politeness
- Positive politeness
- Bald on record

Avoidance

Avoidance involves not communicating in ways that could embarrass or jeopardize someone’s face.

Off-record

Off-record communication hints at face-threatening topics indirectly, leaving room for personal interpretation.

Negative Politeness

This strategy considers the other's negative face needs and often includes apologies to enhance freedom.

Positive Politeness

Positive politeness focuses on fulfilling the receiver’s need for approval and affections, often via compliments or flattery.

Bald on Record

Bald on record communication disregards the other’s face, directly committing an FTA without protective measures.

Factors Influencing Politeness Strategies

Decision on what politeness strategy to use depends on factors such as wealth, title, power dynamics between individuals, and the potential risk of offending someone.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Politeness Theory through interactive flashcards. Understand how individuals manage face, identity, and politeness strategies in social interactions. Ideal for students or anyone looking to enhance their communication skills.