Politeness…..?A term often used when we talk about politeness is face. Face is awareness of other person’s self image. We show either distance/respect or friendliness/solidarity. Face threatening act = Something that represents a

threat to another individual’s public self image. (Avoid orders).

Face saving act = Avoidance of a potential threat to a person’s self image. (Use questions).

Brown & Levinson’s Politeness Theory

• Brown & Levinson are socio-linguists• Extend Goffman’s notion of face–Positive face–Negative face

• And focus only on preventive facework• And face needs (positive and negative)

Positive FacePositive Face (the dog) is the desire to be valued

and included by relevant or significant others

Negative Face (the cat) is the desire to be free from imposition and restraint and to have control of our time, property, space, and resources

Negative Face