politeness theory
Politeness theory, developed by sociolinguists Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson, explores how individuals manage social interactions to maintain face, or self-esteem, during communication. The theory identifies two types of face: positive face, which reflects a person's desire for approval, and negative face, which represents the wish to be free from imposition.
The theory suggests that speakers use various strategies to navigate these faces, such as directness or indirectness, depending on the social context and the relationship between the participants. By understanding these strategies, individuals can communicate more effectively and respectfully in diverse social situations.