Positive and negative politeness are two different strategies people use to show politeness in communication. Positive politeness is used to emphasize friendliness and closeness to the listener, while negative politeness is used to minimize threats to the listener's face or autonomy. Here are some examples to explain these two concepts in discourse:
Positive Politeness Examples:
1. "It's great to see you again! How have you been?"
In this example, the speaker uses positive politeness by showing enthusiasm and interest in the listener's well-being. This creates a friendly and welcoming tone to the conversation.
2. "Your hair looks amazing today!"
Here, the speaker uses positive politeness by complimenting the listener's appearance. This can be seen as a way of showing respect and admiration for the listener.
3. "I really appreciate all the hard work you've been putting in. It's been making a big difference."
In this example, the speaker uses positive politeness by expressing gratitude and acknowledging the listener's efforts. This can be seen as a way of recognizing the listener's contribution and showing appreciation for their work.
Negative Politeness Examples:
1. "I was wondering if it would be possible for you to help me out with something, but no worries if you can't."
Here, the speaker uses negative politeness by using indirect language and giving the listener an out. This can be seen as a way of minimizing the imposition or threat to the listener's autonomy.
2. "I don't want to take up too much of your time, but could I ask you a quick question?"
In this example, the speaker uses negative politeness by apologizing and showing concern for the listener's time. This can be seen as a way of minimizing the threat to the listener's face and showing respect for their schedule.
3. "I'm sorry to bother you, but would you mind turning down the music a bit? I'm trying to focus."
Here, the speaker uses negative politeness by apologizing and making a request instead of a demand. This can be seen as a way of minimizing the threat to the listener's face and avoiding sounding rude or demanding.
In summary, positive politeness emphasizes friendliness and closeness, while negative politeness minimizes threats to the listener's face or autonomy. Both strategies are important in maintaining social harmony and showing respect and politeness in communication.
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Worksheet
Positive vs Negative Politeness Worksheet
Name: ______________________________________________________
Instructions: Read each scenario and answer the questions that follow, considering the use of positive and negative politeness strategies.
Scenario 1:
You are meeting your new neighbor for the first time. You want to welcome them to the neighborhood and introduce yourself.
1. What are some positive politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
2. What are some negative politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
3. Which strategy would you be more likely to use in this situation? Why?
Scenario 2:
You are running late for a meeting with your boss. You know that they are very busy and have a lot of work to do.
1. What are some positive politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
2. What are some negative politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
3. Which strategy would you be more likely to use in this situation? Why?
Scenario 3:
You are at a restaurant and the waiter brings you the wrong order. You don't want to make a scene or hurt the waiter's feelings.
1. What are some positive politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
2. What are some negative politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
3. Which strategy would you be more likely to use in this situation? Why?
Scenario 4:
You are hosting a dinner party and one of your guests brings up a controversial political topic that you strongly disagree with.
1. What are some positive politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
2. What are some negative politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
3. Which strategy would you be more likely to use in this situation? Why?
Scenario 5:
You need to ask a coworker for a favor, but you don't want to come across as demanding or rude.
1. What are some positive politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
2. What are some negative politeness strategies you could use in this situation?
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
3. Which strategy would you be more likely to use in this situation? Why?
Reflection:
Think about a recent interaction you had with someone where you used either positive or negative politeness strategies. What was the situation and which strategies did you use? How did the other person respond? Was your approach effective in achieving your communication goals? Why or why not?
1. Describe the situation: ______________________________________________________
2. Which politeness strategies did you use? _______________________________________
3. How did the other person respond? ___________________________________________
4. Was your approach effective in achieving your communication goals? Why or why not? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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