Face and Politeness

Since it was e-learning week last Friday, we had to learn about the week's topics on our own. Reading through the lecture materials, I was relieved to discover that the teachings were relatively easier to understand due to the examples given. Since we have all been raised in an environment which also highlights the importance of face-saving along with politeness, I find that I have applied the different maxims listed as well as have had them used on me.

I thought it was interesting that words like "just" and "a bit of" were considered 'minimizers' to reduce the implied cost to the hearer. I actually use these 'minimizers' quite a bit in my conversations with other people, so now I understand that in doing so, I am actually applying the Tact Maxim.

As for doing FTAs on record, I almost never do it baldly. If it is someone I am not really close to, I would make sure to use negative politeness so the person has the option to reject me if he or she wishes since I am imposing. One example would be, "I'm sorry to trouble you, but can you please help me get a drink from the canteen since you're going there now? If it's too much of a hassle, then nevermind."

If I am making a similar request to a close friend or a family member, I will employ postive politeness instead such as, "Please be a dear and help me get a drink! Love you!"

And my requests for people's help in buying a drink for me are always met. I guess I can credit the success then to the politeness strategies that I did not even I was employing until I read the notes. :)