Politeness Theory and Grice's Maxims

Prolixity

(Also known as 'Verbosity') is speech or text deemed to have an excess of words.

Maxim of Manner

1. Avoid obscurity of expression. (Avoid unknown meaning) 2. Avoid ambiguity. 3. Be brief. (Avoid unnecessary prolixity)

Maxim of Relation

1. Be relevant. I.e NO tangents!

Maxim of Quality

1. Do not say what you believe to be false. 2. Do not say that for which you lack adequate evidence.

Maxim of Quantity

1. Make your contribution as informative as deemed necessary. 2. Do not make your contribution more informative than required.

Grice's Four Maxims

1. Maxim of Quality. 2. Maxim of Quantity. 3. Maxim of Relation. 4. Maxim of Manner.

The politeness Theory

A battery of social skills whose goal is to ensure that everyone feels affirmed in a social interaction.

Indirect/ Off-Record politeness

A politeness strategy in which the speakers remove themselves from the potential of being imposing. (I.e indirect commands/requests) E.g insinuations. For example "It's getting warm in here" insinuating that the subject should get up and open the window.

Negative Politeness

A politeness strategy used to emphasise the attempts at avoiding imposition on the subject. (Favour seeking) E.g indirect language, questions, pessimism, statements of general rules, apologies and the use of plural pronouns.

Positive Politeness

A politeness strategy used to make the subject feel good about themselves, their interests or possessions. Also, it can be used to avoid conflict. E.g compliments, optimism, exaggerating interest and jokes.

Bald On-Record

A politeness strategy used to shock or embarrass the subject. Usually used when a close relationship with the subject is attained. E.g urgency, welcomes, offers and if the act is in the interests of the subject.

Pessimism

A tendency to believe the worst aspect of things or that the worst shall happen.

Face-Threatening Acts

An act that damages the subjects face (Not literally) verbally, or using different methods (Such as tone) in a way that is not desired by the subject.

Contribution

An article or other piece of writing submitted for publication in a collection.

Inevitable

Certain to happen; Unavoidable.

Optimism

Hopefulness about the future or the successful outcome of something.

Face

One's, public, self image.

Adequate

Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.

Positive Face

The desires to be liked, admired and ratified. It also links to self-esteem.

Negative Face

The desires to not be imposed upon. (Put in place) It also links to the subject's freedom to act.

Who formed the politeness theory?

The politeness theory was formed by Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson.

Obscurity

The state of being unknown, inconspicuous or unimportant.

Impose

To force something unwelcome or unfair to be accepted or put in place.

Insinuate

To suggest or hint.

Ambiguity

Uncertainty or inexactness of meaning in language.

Politeness strategies

Used in order to save the subjects positive face when face-threatening acts are inevitable or desired.

Negative Face-Threatening Acts

When an individual does not avoid the obstruction of freedom upon the subject.

Positive Face-Threatening Acts

When an individual does not care about the subjects feelings, needs or desires.