Erving Goffman's face theory (1955)

Question 1

What was his theory?

Answer 1

Goffman explored communication as being supported through politeness

Question 2

What did he argue?

Answer 2

He argued that everyone has positive and negative face needs, and that interactions have potential to be face-threatening acts, and so speakers are required to chose from a range of politeness strategies

Question 3

Positive face need:

Answer 3

Universal human need to feel valued and appreciated

Question 4

Negative face need:

Answer 4

Universal human need to feel independent and not be imposed upon

Question 5

Face threatening act:

Answer 5

A speech act that has the potential to damage someones self-esteem (either in terms of positive or negative face)

Question 6

Politeness strategy:

Answer 6

Ways in which a speaker can chose to speak to avoid threatening acts