LANGUAGE AND POWER: ENGLISH A LEVEL REVISION (AQA, OCR, EDEXCEL) | NARRATOR: BARBARA NJAU

Summary

This video explores the intricate relationship between language, power, and politeness in communication. It delves into the concept of 'face'—the image we project in interactions—and how face-threatening acts can disrupt this image. The video outlines Lakoff's politeness principles, emphasizing positive and negative politeness strategies, and discusses Fairclough's theories on power dynamics in discourse. Through case studies, it illustrates how occupational language varies and reflects hierarchical relationships, particularly in business contexts, ultimately highlighting the significance of language in shaping social interactions and power structures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of 'face' refers to the image we present to others in social interactions.
• 😀 A 'face-threatening act' occurs when someone's image is challenged or rejected.
• 😀 Positive politeness includes flattery and showing genuine interest, while negative politeness involves indirectness and respect.
• 😀 Different cultures emphasize politeness differently; for example, the UK leans towards negative politeness.
• 😀 Lakoff's politeness principle includes three maxims: do not impose, give options, and make your receiver feel good.
• 😀 Norman Fairclough's theory discusses how power dynamics shape discourse and influence conversations.
• 😀 Fairclough's framework identifies power in spoken discourse, power in language choice, and power behind the discourse.
• 😀 The term 'discourse communities' describes groups with shared values and specialized language relevant to their field.
• 😀 Research indicates workplace conversations differ from everyday talk, focusing on specific goals and power hierarchies.
• 😀 Michael Nelson's research found that business English is often restricted, emphasizing action-oriented language with limited emotional expression.

Q & A

What is meant by the term 'face' in social interactions?

The term 'face' refers to the image we present to others in any interaction. It encompasses how we want to be perceived by those around us.

What are face-threatening acts?

Face-threatening acts are behaviors or comments that challenge or reject another person's face, potentially leading to social discomfort or conflict.

What is positive politeness, and how is it expressed?

Positive politeness is a strategy that emphasizes showing appreciation and creating a friendly atmosphere. It can be expressed through flattery, active interest in others' opinions, and displaying enjoyment of their company.

How does negative politeness differ from positive politeness?

Negative politeness focuses on avoiding intrusion and respecting others' personal space, often resulting in indirect, apologetic, or respectful language. This approach minimizes the imposition on others.

What cultural emphasis is noted in the UK regarding politeness?

The UK culture tends to emphasize negative politeness, which prioritizes indirectness and respect over overt friendliness.

What are the three maxims of Lakoff's politeness principle?

Lakoff's politeness principle includes: 1) Do not impose; 2) Give options to avoid forcing a decision; 3) Make the receiver feel good through flattering language.

What is Fairclough's theory of power in discourse?

Fairclough's theory analyzes how social situations and interactions are shaped by power dynamics, highlighting the way language reflects and reinforces these power relationships.

What does the term 'discourse communities' refer to?

Discourse communities are groups that share specific values and specialized knowledge, resulting in the adoption of particular language features that are characteristic of their field.

What key findings emerged from Heritage's research on workplace communication?

Heritage's research found that workplace talk differs from everyday conversation, emphasizing goal orientation, specific turn-taking rules, and asymmetrical power relationships based on expertise.

What was the outcome of Nelson's research on language used in business?

Nelson's research revealed that business language is often limited in semantic variation, primarily consisting of action-oriented verbs and emotive adjectives, leading to a lack of emotional engagement.