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Understanding Positive and Negative Face

The document discusses politeness theory and the concept of face. It defines face as one's public self-image and the desire for approval from others (positive face) or freedom from imposition (negative face). Face threatening acts are discussed, such as criticism for positive face or requests for negative face. Politeness theory aims to maximize both positive and negative face through social interactions by mitigating potential face threats.

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Tiffany Spence
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27 views13 pages

Understanding Positive and Negative Face

The document discusses politeness theory and the concept of face. It defines face as one's public self-image and the desire for approval from others (positive face) or freedom from imposition (negative face). Face threatening acts are discussed, such as criticism for positive face or requests for negative face. Politeness theory aims to maximize both positive and negative face through social interactions by mitigating potential face threats.

Uploaded by

Tiffany Spence
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Sociological analysis of CC misunderstanding

Politeness theory
a) Face
b) Positive face and negative
face
c) FTAs

1. Politeness theory
a. Face
Face NOT as a physical
feature or body part!

Or as known and used in facial expressions

But face as a social and interactional concept.

Face and Face Maintenance


Face is defined as the positive social value a person
effectively claims for himself by the line others assume
he has taken during a particular contact (Goffman,
1959).
Face is the public self-image that every member want
to claim for himself (Brown & Levinson, 1987).

Face
Positive face
the positive consistent selfimage or personality (crucially
including the desire that this
self-image be appreciated and
approved of) claimed by
interactants.
Keywords: Being valued,
recognized, considered part of
the group
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Threats to positive face (H)


Expressions of approval, criticism, complains,
reprimands, insults, accusations,
Contradictions or disagreements, challenges
Expression of violent emotion
Mention of taboo topics
Bringing bad news about hearer
Raising about dangerously emotional or divisive topics
Blatant non-cooperation in an activity

Threats to positive face (S)

Apologies
Acceptance of compliment
Breakdown of physical control over body
Self-humiliation
Confessions
Emotion leakage

Face
Negative face
the basic claim to
territories, personal
preserves, rights to nondistraction, i.e., to freedom
of action and freedom from
imposition
Keywords: Independence,
freedom, lack of restrictions

Threats to negative face (H)

Orders and requests


Suggestions, advice
Remindings
Threats, warnings, dares
Offers
Promises
Compliments, expressions of envy or admiration
Expression of strong emotions toward H
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Threats to negative face (S)

Expressing thanks
Acceptance of Hs thanks or apology
Excuses
Acceptance of offers
Unwilling promises and offers

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Maximizing both faces


When we are engaged in social encounters, we do face
activities unavoidably.
Participants want both positive face and negative face to
be maintained and mitigated.
We can damage not only our own positive face but
negative face also.
Some acts can damage both positive face and negative
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face.

Diagram proposed by Brown and Levinson

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