Journal Assignments #2

Zhi Li

Date

Politeness Theory

Journal Assignments #2

Politeness theory is about human interaction and language. Politeness theory is linked to the face theory, or politeness theory is the advancing of face theory. Politeness lies into two categories that are positive politeness and negative politeness. The thing about the theory which is fascinating is that theory just not defines the behavior of an individual, but it also helps to understand the point of view or expected reaction of the hearer ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"CI21Ezfy","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}The Politeness Theory,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“The Politeness Theory,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":154,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/mlRB1JqV/items/4W64UNAC"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/mlRB1JqV/items/4W64UNAC"],"itemData":{"id":154,"type":"webpage","title":"The Politeness Theory: A Guide for Everyone","container-title":"UniversalClass.com","abstract":"Politeness assumes that we all have face, and we all have face wants and needs. Further, there are different types of face threatened in various face-threatening acts, and sometimes the face threats are to the hearer, while other times they are to the spe","URL":"https://www.universalclass.com/articles/business/communication-studies/politeness-theory.htm","shortTitle":"The Politeness Theory","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",3,25]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“The Politeness Theory,” n.d.). In daily life, our expressions and words pursue our thinking and emotions to others. However, the thing about the theory which is not impressive is that it always not identify the positivity or negativity of person. For instance, if an individual is stressful, he may have a positive thoughts, but his words or expressions somehow pursue negativity. Politeness helps in making a limitation or space within a relationship.

Home is a place where you can be yourself. There is no need for facial expressions or to do things which you don't want to do. However, social life, academic or professional life requires some patience, endurance, and politeness. Being a student, I had experienced so many moments when I had to act differently from what I actually wanted to do. For instance, there are the different type of students in the classroom. Everyone's behavior, attitude, and point of view for you are different. This difference vary on your politeness towards others. Anna was my classmate and a position holder. She was excellent in every subject. She had a great reputation in front of the teachers and principal. However, students had a different opinion for her. Some found her rude and mean. They thought that she had proud of her achievements. While others found her loving and decent, I had no personal interaction with her. Therefore, I was unable to recognize her true side unless I had to sit with her.

This is a common phenomenon that different people have a different opinion for an individual. Politeness plays an important role to put an expression on others. The day when I had to sit next to Anna, I was able to understand the real side of her personality and to develop an interaction with her. When I sat with her, she smiled at me which brought a smile on my face. I had shown positive politeness to her and greed her by saying, "Hello, good to see you." She replied "same to you" with the constant smile on her face. It somehow developed a positive image of her. It also encouraged me to be nice and friendly with her instead of being isolated and quite.

The behavior of others always reacts on your own personality. When someone meets you with love then automatically you show interest and attraction to the person. On the other hand, if someone says something rude or harsh you start avoiding them. Same happened with me, good behavior of Anna enable me to interact with her more. However, when class started the scenario changed. During the class, she was quiet, busy, and was avoiding others including me. She was not interested in anything other than the teacher and her lecture.

Anna behavior allowed me to develop my behavior and action with her. I understood that she was passionate about her studies and did not like any interruption during the lecture. Therefore, during the class, I avoided any conversation with her, even if I had to ask something, I asked by apologizing first or after taking permission to ask something. Negative politeness helped me in avoiding any irritating or frustrating situation for Anna. We enjoyed the company of each other on the very first day.

With the passage of time we got closer to each other. I tried to understand her behavior and Anna cooperated with me in a very good manner. The main reason behind developing positive relationship was the understanding of the other nature and attitude. I understood that Anna was available as long as she was not busy studying during or after the lecture. Therefore, we made conversation related to studies only during class time. In game period or any other free period, normal conversations or gossips became the part of our conversation. During the lecture I always asked for her favor by asking a question like "Can you please tell me this point?", "Do you have an extra pen?" even when I knew that she had. It was because to give her the opportunity to respond to me or to ignore me as I did not want her to disturb. While during the free time my tone became informal. For instance, I appreciated her on her good marks or gave complement on her hairstyle.

Within a month we became good friends. By developing politeness with Anna, I was able to understand her better. Also, I got some good habits from her. For instance, during the lecture, when I knew useless conversation would be offensive for Anna, it made me quite, and I started concentrating on lecture more. In result, my grades improved. Also, Anna helped me in studies which were significant for me.

The experience with an intelligent girl in my classroom developed politeness within me. Politeness is not about to be a nice speaker, and it is more relevant to the fact that your conversation or words do not offend or threaten others. Positive politeness and negative politeness are useful tools to develop a happy and healthy relationship with others. It is not only necessary for one's reputation but also for the positivity in thoughts and actions.

References

ADDIN ZOTERO_BIBL {"uncited":[],"omitted":[],"custom":[]} CSL_BIBLIOGRAPHY The Politeness Theory: A Guide for Everyone. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2019, from UniversalClass.com website: https://www.universalclass.com/articles/business/communication-studies/politeness-theory.htm