Politeness theory

Definition

Politeness theory is a framework in sociolinguistics that explores how individuals manage social relationships through language, particularly by showing respect and consideration for others' feelings. It emphasizes the strategies people use to mitigate face threats during interactions, focusing on concepts such as 'face,' which refers to an individual's self-esteem or social identity. This theory is closely tied to the study of pragmatics, interactional sociolinguistics, and the ways in which language reflects and reinforces gender roles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Politeness theory was developed by sociolinguists Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson in the 1980s to explain how speakers navigate social relationships through language.
2. The theory identifies two types of politeness: positive politeness, which aims to make the hearer feel good about themselves, and negative politeness, which focuses on respecting the hearer's personal space and autonomy.
3. Cultural differences significantly influence what is considered polite behavior; for example, directness may be valued in some cultures while indirectness is preferred in others.
4. Politeness strategies can vary based on social factors like power dynamics and intimacy between speakers, impacting how messages are received.
5. In discussions of language and gender roles, politeness theory helps illuminate how societal expectations shape communicative styles, often leading women to adopt more polite forms of speech.

Review Questions

• How does politeness theory explain the use of language in managing social relationships?
  • Politeness theory explains that individuals use language strategically to maintain social harmony and manage their own and others' self-esteem, known as 'face.' By employing politeness strategies, speakers can mitigate potential face threats that arise during interactions. This management involves balancing the need for direct communication with the desire to be respectful and considerate of others' feelings.
• Discuss the role of cultural differences in shaping politeness strategies according to politeness theory.
  • Cultural differences play a significant role in shaping what is considered polite behavior as outlined in politeness theory. In some cultures, being direct is viewed as honest and straightforward, while in others, indirectness is seen as more respectful. These variations affect how speakers choose their language and strategy based on their understanding of social norms, ultimately influencing interpersonal interactions.
• Evaluate how politeness theory can inform our understanding of gendered communication styles and their implications.
  • Politeness theory provides valuable insights into gendered communication styles by highlighting how societal expectations influence language use. Women are often socialized to prioritize politeness and relational harmony, leading them to employ more indirect forms of speech. This tendency can result in perceptions of women as less assertive or authoritative compared to men, thereby affecting their social standing and opportunities. By analyzing these dynamics through the lens of politeness theory, we can better understand how language perpetuates gender roles and inequalities.

Related terms

Face: A person's self-image or social identity in conversation, which can be threatened or supported by others' actions and words.

Face-threatening acts (FTAs): Communicative actions that can potentially damage a person's face or self-esteem, such as criticism, requests, or disagreements.

Impoliteness: The deliberate use of language that is intended to harm or undermine another person's face or social standing.