What Is Negative Politeness?

Negative politeness. Negative politeness strategies are oriented towards the hearer's negative face and emphasize avoidance of imposition on the hearer. By attempting to avoid imposition from the speaker, the risk of face-threat to the hearer is reduced.

What is an example of negative politeness?

Example: “Oh, you make such great coffee! Would you…?” Negative politeness, by contrast, is oriented towards the hearer's negative face, i.e. his/her potential threat of losing personal freedom of action. Therefore, the hearer shows respect for the hearer's negative-face wants.

What is the meaning of negative politeness?

Negative politeness : Making a request less infringing, such as "If you don't mind..." or "If it isn't too much trouble..."; respects a person's right to act freely. In other words, deference. There is a greater use of indirect speech acts.