Chapter 4 - Interpersonal communication

Question 1

Interpersonal communication (IPC)

Answer 1

communication between two interdependent individuals — people who affect each other’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Question 2

Politeness Theory

Answer 2

Politeness Theory explains how people manage their face — their desired self-image in social interactions.

Question 3

• Face

Answer 3

the public self-image you present to others.

Question 4

Everyone has face needs, and these are divided into two main types:

Answer 4

o Positive face: the need to be liked, appreciated, and approved of.

o Negative face: the need to act freely, without constraint or imposition.

Maintaining both simultaneously is difficult, since actions that protect one can threaten the other.

Question 5

Face-Threatening Acts are inevitable in interaction, so people use facework strategies to minimize the threat:

Answer 5

• Preventive facework: avoiding potential threats (e.g., avoiding sensitive topics, using humor, or hedging statements).
• Corrective facework: repairing damage after an FTA (e.g., apologizing, justifying behavior, or using compliments).

Question 6

Five Politeness Strategies (from most to least polite)

Answer 6

1. Avoidance – Don’t perform the FTA at all.
2. Going off record – Hinting indirectly (“It’s cold in here” instead of “Close the window”).
3. Negative politeness – Acknowledge imposition; use apologies or softeners (“I hate to ask, but could you…”).
4. Positive politeness – Emphasize solidarity and approval (“You’re always so great at this—could you help me out?”).
5. Bald on record – Directly perform the act (“Do this.”).

Question 7

Factors influencing politeness

Answer 7

• Social Power: We’re more polite to those with higher status.
• Legitimate Power: Authority figures (e.g., bosses, teachers) receive more politeness.
• Risk: The higher the social or relational risk, the more politeness we use.

Question 8

The focus of interpersonal commucation is about

Answer 8

how people initiate, maintain and manage their relationships.