Language and power Flashcards
Positive Face Needs
This is used to show that we want to be liked, approved of, and accepted by others, typically used with people we feel comfortable with. It shows that you recognise that your hearer has a desire to be respected and also confirms that the relationship is friendly
Negative face needs
This is shown with people we feel distant from, in formal relationships, or when we don’t know the people very well and don’t want to cause offense and recognises that you are in some way imposing on them. When we use negative politeness we don’t presume or assume anything, we don’t force our point or impinge on anyone. It emphasises respect when there is social distance between speakers by using hedges and questions
What are face threatening acts?
Ways in which language threatens or imposes on other people’s face needs. So, we need to respect the relative status, social distance, and be responsive to the social and cultural context. Politeness strategies are developed for the main purpose of these FTAs.
Personal power
power due to occupation, position in hierarchical group, academic, practical knowledge or wealth
political power
the power that government members hold in making decisions which is enforced through the law by individuals such as politicians, police, and judges.
Instrumental power
is used to maintain and enforce authority; used by an authoritative figure such as police officers, teachers, and employers
passive voice
these voices are less direct. It focuses on the object, meaning the order changes so it becomes first.
A passive voice means a text seems more formal
Active voice
when the subject is the focus and performs the action described by the verb
Deontic modality
when a modal verb is used to affect a situation by giving permission, a request, or a command. e.g. you can go when you’re finished
