Politeness Theory

Question 1

Who created the Politeness Maxims?

Answer 1

Geoffrey Leech

Question 2

What are the Maxims for?

Answer 2

A necessity for conversational co-operation

Question 3

Maxim of Agreement

Answer 3

Even where there is disagreement express a degree of agreement. ‘I agree, however…’ ‘The show was interesting’.

Question 4

Maxim of Tact

Answer 4

Minimize the imposition by suggesting optionality by using a minimizer to reduce the effect of the request and the cost, benefit scale. ‘Could I possibly speak to you?’ or ‘Can I speak to you, is this a good time?’

Question 5

Maxim of Generosity

Answer 5

Be generous and maximize the cost to yourself rather than to others. ‘You put your feet up, I’ll hoover’

Question 6

Maxim of Approbation

Answer 6

Try to praise others but if you cannot do so, to sidestep the issue give a minimal answer or remain silent. Even if you didn’t like it, lie. ‘You seemed to be enjoying singing.’

Question 7

Maxim of Modesty

Answer 7

Be modest. If someone compliments you don’t say ‘I know’, maximize self dispraise ‘awe no I don’t look that nice’ or say ‘thank you, that’s very kind’. Don’t be big headed.

Question 8

Maxim of Sympathy

Answer 8

Give sympathy to others instead of trying to receive it. Minimize antipathy- ‘I have so much work to do’ ‘Oh I do too its horrible’ instead say, ‘Awe I’m sorry’

Question 9

What are some politeness terms?

Answer 9

Please, thank you, sorry, pardon. To soften the blow or be polite.

Question 10

Modal Verbs

Answer 10

Modal verbs indicate possibility and permission which help be more polite and indirect.

Question 11

Who created the Face Theory?

Answer 11

Brown and Levinson

Question 12

What is Face Theory?

Answer 12

We all want to be desirable and respected and doesn’t want to feel like we are being imposed upon and our freedoms gone.

Question 13

Positive Face

Answer 13

The need to be liked and admired- compliments. ‘You are so clever’

Interest in wellbeing
Show enjoying company
Gestures of friendship- smiling or shaking hands
Paying attention- back-channeling
Seeking agreement- choosing safe topics
Using positive lexis- lovely, intelligent, excellent.

Question 14

Negative Face

Answer 14

The need to not be imposed upon- modal verbs. ‘Could you do this essay for me?’ (possibility, choice- not direct)

Avoiding intruding on people’s life- ‘sorry to bother you.
Giving deference - yes Sir/Madam/Miss- respectful of position in regard to you- teacher - more well educated. Don’t impose on intelligence.
Being apologetic- sorry to bother you
Being indirect- ‘I don’t have a pen with me’
Being pessimistic and putting yourself down- I don’t think this answer is right but I got 4. Don’t impose intelligence- big headed, act cleverer than others.
Hedge
Hedges/fillers

Question 15

Respecting Face

Answer 15

Showing consideration for people’s feelings by respecting their human needs.

Question 16

Face Threatening Acts

Answer 16

Acts that do not care for a persons face.

Question 17

Off-record

Answer 17

In conversation where no threat is made to someone’s face.

Question 18

Bald on-record

Answer 18

Speaker doesn’t attempt to minimize the threats to someone’s face for the sake of being direct, clear and unambiguous- an emergency, task orientated (serious), alerting, push authority- context bound.

Has a reason for face threatening acts.