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Politeness Theory – Quiz 1
Politeness Theory Quiz 1 (25 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of key concepts in Politeness Theory, including the distinction between positive and negative face, direct vs. indirect communication strategies, and the role of individual differences in expressing politeness. It also tests skills such as recognizing different politeness strategies and understanding how to positively influence others through language.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Positive politeness strategy primarily focuses on .....
A) Respecting the hearer's freedom from obligation.
B) Ensuring grammatical accuracy in communication.
C) Emphasizing solidarity, approval, and shared identity.
D) Minimizing interaction to avoid social tension.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Positive politeness strategy primarily focuses on emphasizing solidarity, approval, and shared identity among interlocutors. This approach seeks to build a positive social bond by expressing agreement, showing support, and highlighting commonalities between the speaker and the listener.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Respecting the hearer's freedom from obligation is more characteristic of negative politeness.
Option B:
Ensuring grammatical accuracy in communication is unrelated to politeness strategies.
Option C:
Emphasizing solidarity, approval, and shared identity accurately describes positive politeness strategy.
Option D:
Minimizing interaction to avoid social tension does not align with the goals of positive politeness.
2.
Strategies are ranked from least polite to most polite
A) Negative face.
B) Asking someone to do something.
C) Bald-on-Record, Positive Politeness, Negative Politeness, Off-Record Politeness, Don't Do the FTA .
D) Power, Distance, and Imposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer, C) Bald-on-Record, Positive Politeness, Negative Politeness, Off-Record Politeness, Don't Do the FTA, accurately ranks strategies from least to most polite in Politeness Theory. This ranking reflects the theory's core concept that politeness increases as one moves from direct (Bald-on-Record) to indirect and more considerate forms of communication.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Negative face refers to the desire not to be constrained or obligated by others, which is unrelated to the ranking of politeness strategies.
Option B:
Asking someone to do something can vary in politeness but does not provide a specific order from least to most polite.
Option C:
This option correctly identifies and orders the levels of politeness as described by Politeness Theory, making it the correct answer.
Option D:
Power, Distance, and Imposition are factors in politeness but do not rank strategies from least to most polite.
3.
Face-threatening acts (FTAs) are .....
A) Speech acts that necessarily result in open conflict.
B) Utterances that violate grammatical or syntactic rules.
C) Acts that potentially damage the speaker's or hearer's face.
D) Expressions used only in highly formal communicative settings.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Face-threatening acts (FTAs) are acts that potentially damage the speaker's or hearer's face, which aligns with option C. In politeness theory, FTAs can occur when a speaker performs an action that might be perceived as disrespectful or offensive to the addressee, thereby threatening their positive face (desire for respect and approval) or negative face (desire not to be imposed upon).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. FTAs do not necessarily result in open conflict; they are actions that could potentially lead to conflict if perceived negatively.
Option B:
Incorrect. FTAs are related to social face and politeness, not grammatical or syntactic rules.
Option C:
Correct. This accurately describes the concept of FTAs in the context of politeness theory.
Option D:
Incorrect. While formal settings can involve FTAs, they are not limited to such contexts.
4.
Positive face, according to Brown and Levinson (1987), is .....
A) The desire to act freely without external constraints.
B) The desire to be liked, approved of, and accepted by others.
C) The obligation to follow politeness norms in society.
D) The authority a speaker holds in a communicative event.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Positive face refers to the desire to be liked, approved of, and accepted by others as described in Brown and Levinson's (1987) Politeness Theory. This aligns with Option B.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; this relates more to negative face.
Option B:
Correct; it accurately describes positive face as the desire for social approval and acceptance.
Option C:
Incorrect; this pertains to politeness norms rather than personal desires.
Option D:
Incorrect; this concerns the speaker's authority, not personal desires.
5.
What is a 'Face-Threatening Act' (FTA)?
A) An act that is always considered rude and impolite.
B) An act that uses ungrammatical language.
C) An act that always shows positive feelings.
D) An act that runs contrary to the face wants of the speaker or hearer.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An act that runs contrary to the face wants of the speaker or hearer is correct because in Politeness Theory, a 'Face-Threatening Act' (FTA) refers to any action that might harm someone's positive self-image or social status. This theory posits that speakers and listeners have an inherent need for 'face', which includes maintaining their dignity and respect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. While FTAs can be rude, not all acts considered impolite are necessarily face-threatening according to Politeness Theory.
Option B:
Incorrect. Grammaticality is unrelated to the concept of face in Politeness Theory.
Option C:
Incorrect. FTAs can involve both positive and negative feelings, but they specifically refer to actions that threaten the hearer's or speaker’s face.
Option D:
Correct. This accurately describes a 'Face-Threatening Act' as per Politeness Theory.
6.
According to Brown and Levinson's strategies, what does it mean to perform an FTA 'off record'?
A) To express an intention indirectly using hints, ambiguity, or vagueness.
B) To state one's need as directly as possible.
C) To compliment the listener before making a request.
D) To avoid performing the action altogether.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To perform an FTA 'off record' means to express an intention indirectly using hints, ambiguity, or vagueness. This aligns with Option A and is a key strategy in Brown and Levinson's Politeness Theory where speakers use indirect speech acts to avoid direct confrontation or imposition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Expressing an intention indirectly using hints, ambiguity, or vagueness is the essence of performing an FTA 'off record'.
Option B:
Incorrect. Stating one's need directly goes against the concept of performing an FTA 'off record'.
Option C:
Incorrect. Complimenting before making a request is not related to the term 'FTA off record'.
Option D:
Incorrect. Avoiding the action altogether does not fit the definition of performing an FTA 'off record'.
7.
'Negative face' refers to the basic need to .....
A) Be accepted and admired by others.
B) Feel a sense of belonging to a group.
C) Be unimpeded and be autonomous.
D) Receive love and attention.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Negative face refers to the basic need for individuals to be unimpeded and autonomous, meaning they want freedom from interference by others. This aligns with Option C.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Not about autonomy or freedom from constraints.
Option B:
Does not focus on the absence of social obligations or interference.
Option C:
Correct. Negative face is about the desire to be left alone and free from others' influence.
Option D:
Not related to autonomy or freedom from constraints.
8.
A: "Sorry to bother you, but could you possibly close the window?" B: "Sure." The strategy used by Speaker A is .....
A) Negative Politeness.
B) Bald on-record.
C) Off-record.
D) Positive Politeness.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Speaker A uses a strategy that aligns with
Negative Politeness
. This approach focuses on minimizing the imposition on the listener by expressing regret for any inconvenience caused, which is evident in A's statement: "Sorry to bother you, but could you possibly close the window?" The expression of regret ("sorry") and the softening of the request with "could you possibly" are key indicators.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Negative Politeness involves expressing regret for any imposition.
Option B:
Incorrect. Bald on-record strategies are direct and do not soften the request with apologies or explanations.
Option C:
Incorrect. Off-record strategies involve indirectness but do not necessarily express regret for bothering the listener.
Option D:
Incorrect. Positive Politeness focuses on building a positive relationship rather than minimizing imposition.
9.
According to Erving Goffman, face refers to .....
A) A person's physical appearance in social interaction.
B) A conversational role assigned by linguistic structure.
C) The public self-image claimed during social interaction.
D) A culturally fixed rule for polite communication.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) The public self-image claimed during social interaction. According to Erving Goffman, face refers to the respect a person claims for himself in the eyes of others and which he believes to be recognized by them. It encompasses the image one tries to project in social interactions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option focuses on physical appearance, which is not central to Goffman's concept of face.
Option B:
This relates more to linguistic roles rather than the broader concept of face in social interactions.
Option C:
This accurately captures Goffman’s definition of face as the public self-image one claims during social interaction.
Option D:
This option is about polite communication rules, which are not directly related to the concept of face in Goffman's theory.
10.
Negative face, according to Brown and Levinson (1987), refers to .....
A) The desire to control the actions of others.
B) The preference to avoid social interaction entirely.
C) The desire for autonomy and freedom from imposition.
D) The ability to express personal emotions openly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The desire for autonomy and freedom from imposition, as defined by Brown and Levinson (1987), is a key component of negative face in Politeness Theory. It refers to the social norm that individuals wish to be left alone and not have others interfere with their actions or decisions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option describes positive face, which relates to the desire for approval from others rather than autonomy.
Option B:
This is an extreme interpretation that does not align with Politeness Theory's focus on social norms and interactions.
Option C:
Correct. It accurately reflects the concept of negative face as described by Brown and Levinson, emphasizing personal autonomy and freedom from imposition.
Option D:
This option is unrelated to the concept of negative face in Politeness Theory.
11.
A student needs help moving and says to his friend, 'Bring your pickup truck and help me move into the dorm.' This utterance is an example of which strategy?
A) Negative politeness.
B) Bald on record.
C) Off record.
D) Positive politeness.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This utterance is an example of
B) Bald on record.
In the context of Politeness Theory, "bald on record" refers to a straightforward and direct expression without any politeness strategies employed. The student directly asks for help using clear language, which aligns with this strategy.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Negative politeness involves avoiding imposition or inconvenience to the listener.
Option B:
Correct. It is a direct and straightforward request without any politeness strategies.
Option C:
Off record refers to indirect speech acts that are not directly stated but implied through context or implication.
Option D:
Positive politeness involves actions that seek to include, approve of, or show solidarity with the addressee.
12.
There are 3 main variables in Brown and Levinson's politeness what are they?
A) Negative face.
B) Asking someone to do something.
C) Bald-on-Record, Positive Politeness, Negative Politeness, Off-Record Politeness, Don't Do the FTA .
D) Power, Distance, and Imposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Brown and Levinson's politeness theory identifies three main variables: Power, Distance, and Imposition. These are the correct answer as they directly correspond to the core elements of their model explaining how speakers manage face concerns in interactions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Negative face is a concept related to individual freedom from imposition but not one of the three main variables.
Option B:
Asking someone to do something can be an act of politeness or imposition, but it's not a variable in Brown and Levinson’s model.
Option C:
While these terms are related to politeness strategies, they don't represent the three main variables identified by Brown and Levinson.
Option D:
Correct. Power, Distance, and Imposition are the key variables in their theory.
13.
Examples of actions that threaten a person's 'negative face' are
A) Negative face.
B) Asking someone to do something.
C) Bald-on-Record, Positive Politeness, Negative Politeness, Off-Record Politeness, Don't Do the FTA .
D) Power, Distance, and Imposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because asking someone to do something directly can threaten a person's 'negative face' by imposing a request on them, which may make the person feel obligated or pressured.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Negative face refers to the need for social autonomy and freedom from imposition. It is not an action but a concept.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
Option C:
These are different concepts related to politeness, such as how one shows respect or politeness in communication, rather than actions that threaten negative face.
Option D:
Power, distance, and imposition can relate to the context of threatening someone's negative face but are not direct actions themselves.
14.
Which of the following actions appeals to the listener's 'Positive face'?
A) Giving a compliment, such as 'You always look so stylish.'.
B) Allowing a colleague to work peacefully without interruption.
C) Writing formal language in an essay.
D) Telling a man that he looks bad today.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it appeals to the listener's 'Positive face' by giving a compliment, which enhances their self-esteem and social status positively.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Appeals to positive face by boosting the listener’s self-image.
Option B:
Maintains positive behavior but does not directly appeal to 'Positive face'. It is more about respect for personal space.
Option C:
Formal language can be appropriate in certain contexts, but it doesn't specifically address the concept of 'Positive face'.
Option D:
Criticizes the listener, which would negatively impact their 'Positive face'.
15.
A student who wants to ask for help says, 'I'm not sure if you are free this Sunday, but I was hoping to ask for a little help moving.' This phrasing is a key feature of which strategy?
A) Off record.
B) Bald on record.
C) Positive politeness.
D) Negative politeness.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasing "I'm not sure if you are free this Sunday, but I was hoping to ask for a little help moving" is an example of
negative politeness
. This strategy involves showing consideration and respect by avoiding imposition or burden on the listener. The speaker expresses uncertainty about the other person's availability and frames their request as a hope rather than a demand.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Off record - This is not related to politeness strategies.
Option B:
Bald on record - This strategy directly states the speaker's needs without consideration for others' feelings or burdens, which does not match the phrasing given.
Option C:
Positive politeness - This involves showing closeness and solidarity with the addressee, often through direct requests or expressions of shared goals. The phrasing here is more indirect and considerate.
Option D:
Negative politeness - Correct. It shows consideration by avoiding imposition and expressing hope rather than a demand.
16.
According to politeness theory, what is the best definition of 'FACE'?
A) A person's public image or sense of self-worth.
B) The emotional state expressed during a conversation.
C) The physical features of a person's face.
D) The speaker's social status.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct definition of 'FACE' according to politeness theory is a person's public image or sense of self-worth (Option A). In this context, FACE refers to the positive social value that individuals strive to maintain in interactions. It encompasses both Positive Face (the desire for approval and acceptance) and Negative Face (the desire not to be imposed upon).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. FACE involves maintaining one's public image and self-worth through interactions.
Option B:
Incorrect. Emotional states are not the primary focus of FACE in politeness theory.
Option C:
Incorrect. FACE is unrelated to physical features.
Option D:
Incorrect. Social status is not directly related to the concept of FACE.
17.
If a student posts a photo hoping for compliments but receives a negative comment like 'That doesn't match your pants at all, ' which type of face is being threatened?
A) Negative Face.
B) Positive Face.
C) Politeness Strategy.
D) Facework.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer is B) Positive Face because the scenario describes a situation where the student's desire for positive social interactions (compliments) is threatened by receiving a negative comment. This directly relates to the concept of Positive Face, which refers to an individual’s need to be seen as competent and attractive in social situations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Negative Face pertains to the desire not to have one's autonomy or freedom compromised by others. This is not relevant here.
Option B:
Positive Face is correct as explained above.
Option C:
Politeness Strategy involves methods used to maintain social harmony, which does not directly apply in this context.
Option D:
Facework refers to the broader concept of maintaining one's face through various actions and strategies. While related, it is more general than the specific issue at hand.
18.
Indra is an introvert. He prefers to send polite and formal text messages rather than make phone calls, because he feels more comfortable communicating in writing. In this situation, another factor that can influence the politeness that Indra experiences is
A) Individual difference.
B) Asking someone to do something.
C) Bald-on-Record, Positive Politeness, Negative Politeness, Off-Record Politeness, Don't Do the FTA .
D) Power, Distance, and Imposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indra's preference for sending text messages over making phone calls due to feeling more comfortable with written communication is an example of individual difference in politeness theory. This personal characteristic influences how Indra perceives and practices politeness, aligning with the concept that different individuals may exhibit varying levels of politeness based on their unique characteristics.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Individual differences such as personality traits significantly impact how one expresses politeness.
Option B:
Incorrect. While asking someone to do something can be a polite act, it does not directly explain Indra's preference for text messages over phone calls.
Option C:
Incorrect. These terms relate more to specific types of politeness strategies rather than individual differences in communication preferences.
Option D:
Incorrect. Power, distance, and imposition are external factors that can influence politeness but do not directly explain Indra's preference for text messages over phone calls.
19.
Bald on-record strategy involves .....
A) Using indirect language to soften the speaker's intention.
B) Avoiding responsibility for the communicative outcome.
C) Performing the act directly without mitigating face threat.
D) Employing apologies and hedging expressions extensively.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Bald on-record strategy involves performing the act directly without mitigating face threat, which aligns with option C. This approach is straightforward and does not soften the speaker's intention through indirect language or apologies, making it a direct communication style.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Using indirect language to soften the speaker's intention.
Option B:
Avoiding responsibility for the communicative outcome.
Option C:
Performing the act directly without mitigating face threat.
Correct
Option D:
Employing apologies and hedging expressions extensively.
20.
Which of the following scenarios is an example of a threat to someone's 'negative face'?
A) A boss asks an employee to buy some juice in his working time.
B) A neighbor compliments you on your good looks.
C) A friend disagrees with your opinion about a movie.
D) A teacher congratulates a student on their high test score.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it involves a request that could be seen as imposing on the employee's personal time, potentially violating their desire to manage their own schedule freely without external pressures. This scenario directly challenges the employee’s 'negative face'—their need for autonomy and freedom from imposition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Asks an employee to buy juice during work hours, which could be seen as imposing on personal time.
Option B:
Complimenting someone does not typically threaten their autonomy or freedom from imposition. It aligns with positive face needs.
Option C:
Disagreeing with an opinion is a neutral social interaction that doesn't inherently challenge one's need for personal freedom.
Option D:
Congratulating someone on high test scores supports their positive face and does not threaten any negative face needs.
21.
Which of the following utterances is a clear example of a 'positive politeness' strategy?
A) 'I wonder how I'll move into the new dorm since my dad can't make it.'.
B) 'Bring your truck and help me move.'.
C) 'I've heard your truck is really powerful. Would you be able to help me move this Saturday?'.
D) 'I was wondering if you might possibly be free this Sunday to help me move.'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is a clear example of positive politeness because it not only acknowledges the other person's capabilities ("I've heard your truck is really powerful") but also shows respect and consideration by asking for help in a polite manner ("Would you be able to help me move this Saturday?").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This utterance is more neutral, as it simply states a situation without directly requesting help.
Option B:
This is a direct request for help and lacks the positive politeness strategy of acknowledging or showing respect to the other person.
Option D:
While this option uses a softer language ("wondering if you might possibly be free"), it still indirectly requests help without directly acknowledging the other's capabilities or contributions.
22.
The desire to have the freedom to act without being imposed upon (The desire for autonomy)
A) Negative face.
B) Asking someone to do something.
C) Bald-on-Record, Positive Politeness, Negative Politeness, Off-Record Politeness, Don't Do the FTA .
D) Power, Distance, and Imposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The desire for autonomy, which is the freedom to act without being imposed upon, aligns with the concept of
Negative face
. Negative face refers to the social space in which an individual wishes to be free from imposition by others. This directly corresponds to Option A.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The desire for autonomy is a key aspect of Negative face, where individuals seek freedom from external constraints.
Option B:
Incorrect. Asking someone to do something relates more to Positive politeness strategies rather than the concept of autonomy.
Option C:
Incorrect. These terms pertain to different aspects of politeness theory and are not directly related to the desire for autonomy.
Option D:
Incorrect. Power, distance, and imposition relate more to social power dynamics rather than individual autonomy.
23.
Negative politeness strategy aims to .....
A) Reinforce the speaker's authority over the hearer.
B) Minimize imposition on the hearer's personal freedom.
C) Make requests sound humorous and entertaining.
D) Challenge the hearer's need for social approval.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Negative politeness strategy aims to minimize imposition on the hearer's personal freedom by expressing respect for their autonomy and avoiding actions that might be seen as intrusive or disrespectful.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Reinforce the speaker's authority over the hearer. Incorrect, negative politeness is about respecting the hearer’s freedom.
Option B:
Minimize imposition on the hearer's personal freedom. Correct, this aligns with the definition of negative politeness strategy.
Option C:
Make requests sound humorous and entertaining. Incorrect, humor is not a primary goal in negative politeness.
Option D:
Challenge the hearer's need for social approval. Incorrect, this contradicts the essence of negative politeness which seeks to avoid imposing on others.
24.
An off-record strategy is used when a speaker .....
A) Relies on formal politeness markers and honorifics.
B) Leaves the intention implicit for the hearer to infer.
C) Issues a direct command without modification.
D) Explicitly states responsibility for the request made.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An off-record strategy is used when a speaker leaves the intention implicit for the hearer to infer. This aligns with Politeness Theory, which often involves indirect communication to maintain social harmony and avoid direct confrontation or imposition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Relies on formal politeness markers and honorifics.
Option B:
Leaves the intention implicit for the hearer to infer.
Correct
Option C:
Issues a direct command without modification.
Option D:
Explicitly states responsibility for the request made.
25.
A face saving act is an direct speech act giving the impression that you have a social power over the other person.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A face-saving act is not about giving the impression of social power over another person, but rather about maintaining or saving one's dignity and respect in a social interaction. This aligns with Politeness Theory which focuses on how speakers manage their own and others' face (dignity) to avoid conflict and maintain harmony.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as it misinterprets the concept of face-saving acts.
Option B:
Correct. The statement is false according to Politeness Theory.
Option C:
Not applicable since only one option can be correct.
Option D:
Incorrect, as there is a clear and correct answer among the options provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Politeness Theory?
Politeness Theory, a concept in pragmatics, explains how people use language to maintain or enhance their and others' social standing. It focuses on the strategies used to avoid face-threatening acts.
What are Face-Threatening Acts?
Face-Threatening Acts refer to actions or statements that may harm someone's social standing or reputation, potentially leading to a loss of face. They can be avoided through politeness strategies.
What are Face-saving acts in Politeness Theory?
Face-saving acts involve actions or statements that help maintain one's social standing and avoid face-threatening situations. They are crucial for maintaining positive interpersonal relationships.
What is Facework in the context of Politeness Theory?
Facework refers to the efforts made by individuals to maintain or enhance their and others' social standing through language use. It encompasses both face-threatening acts and face-saving strategies.
What are some common Politeness Theory Variables?
Politeness Theory Variables include factors such as the social distance between speakers, the power relationship, and the context of interaction. These variables influence the choice of politeness strategies used.