Politeness Theory

• Face


  Who we are, the positive social value a person effectively claims for themself. Our dignity/honour.
• Positive Face


  Wanting to be liked by other people.
• Negative Face


  Wanting to go about our business uninterrupted.
• Lakoff Politeness Principle Maxims


  ☆ Don't impose

  ☆ Give Options (eg, saying 'could' instead of 'must')

  ☆ Make the hearer feel good
• Negative Face-Threatening Acts

  Threatening the interlocutor's autonomy. e.g., making them feel obliged to do something by creating pressure.
• Interlocutor: a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation.