Politeness Theory: Lakoff, Leech, Brown and Levinson

Question 1

Briefly describe Lakoff’s theory.

Answer 1

His theory is based on the simple premise of ‘be clear, be polite.’ To be polite, according to this theory means: do not impose, give opinions, and be friendly.

Question 2

What are the strategies of politeness according to Leech?

Answer 2

1. tact (other)
2. generosity (self)
3. approbation (other)
4. modesty (self)
5. agreement (both)
6. sympathy (both)

Question 3

What is the difference between the Irony principle and the Banter principle?

Answer 3

The irony principle avoids direct criticism, the form is positive, but the meaning is negative. The Banter principle is meant to show solidarity towards ths speaker by means of being impolite, the form is negative but the meaning positive

Question 4

What is the difference between the Pollyanna Principle and the Interest principle?

Answer 4

The pollyanna principle says that you have to avoid talking about negative topics, and if you do, you need to use euphemisms and diminish the impact of the criticism.
The Interest principle says that you can make the talk more interesting by saying something unpredictable (may be negative, untrue…), you can overstate something ‘It made my blood boil’ or understate something ‘I wasn’t born yesterday’

Question 5

What is the contribution of Brown and Levinson the the Politness Theories?

Answer 5

They added the notion of FACE: which is the self image that every members claims for themselves.

Question 6

Which types of face there are?

Answer 6

Negative face = negative politeness: the need to be left alone.
Positive face= positive politenes: the need to be liked, approved
These two are in constant tension.

Question 7

What are the FTAs?

Answer 7

The Face Threatening Acts are different kinds of threats that interlocutors may perform between each other’s face or others by means of suggesting, requesting…

Question 8

How can FTAs be performed? Explain the different processes.

Answer 8

Can be performed:
On record (directly)
Off record (indirectly)

If performed on record:
Baldly without redress: no mitigating device. Close the door.
Baldly with redress: 
-Positive politeness: solidarity
-Negative politeness: distance