Prescriptivist & Descriptivist

Question 1

Descriptivist

Answer 1

Captures something the way it is

• observing something without judgement

Question 2

Prescriptivist

Answer 2

How something should be

• language —-> judge and direct

Question 3

Brown + levinson face theory 1975

Answer 3

Face theory - part of politeness theory

Everyone has a face ( self esteem )

Question 4

Positive face

Answer 4

Desire to be liked / appreciated by others

When appealing to someone’s positive face we want to increase their self esteem ( compliment outfit)

Question 5

Protect positive face

Answer 5

Conceal actions may be damaging to our self image ‘ saving face’

Avoid humiliation or embarrassment

Question 6

What’s face threatening acts ?

Answer 6

Communication damaged a persons sense of face (self esteem)

Can be :
Verbal
Paraverbal( tone ) ‘yehhh’
Non verbal( facial expressions )

Can be positive or negative

Question 7

Positive face threatening acts

Answer 7

Expressions- disapproval, accusations, criticism, disagreement

Expressions also show speaker doesn’t care at all about listeners positive face ( mentioning taboo or emotional topics- interruptions )

Question 8

Positive face threatening acts on speaker

Answer 8

Apologies confessions loss of emotional control

Question 9

Negative face

Answer 9

Individuals right to protect personal rights - freedom of speech( social hierarchy)

When appeal to person negative face - make them feel like they haven’t been taken advantage of

Question 10

Negative face threatening acts

Answer 10

Restrict personal freedom- pressurise listener to do something future

Giving order , threat emotional blackmail

Question 11

Criticism of politeness theory

Answer 11

Politeness can vary around the world