Explain the difference between positive politeness and negative politeness. Give an example for each strategy.

What will be an ideal response?

Although they sound similar, positive politeness and negative politeness are quite different. Positive politeness refers to the second most direct strategy for committing a face-threatening act. It emphasizes the receiver’s positive face needs--the desire to be liked and appreciated. Thus, positive politeness is likely to include compliments, flattery or other forms of ingratiation. Negative politeness is a slightly less direct and more polite strategy. It emphasizes the target’s negative face needs--the desire to be free and independent. In this case, negative politeness is likely to include apologies, regret, and the appearance of embarrassment as making the FTA. Examples will vary by student and should clearly indicate the difference between positive and negative face.