Brown and Levison's politeness/face theory

Theory (1987)

Brown and Levison based the face theory on principles of our desire to be liked and not imposed upon.

FACE is defined as the public self image every adult portrays, which is intended for interaction. These include the positive and negative face.

       ☺ - 

Positive face

       ☻  -

Negative face

☠ -Threatening face act (FTA)

Positive face: The desire to be liked
Negative face: The desire to have freedom
Face threatening act: This face deliberately threatens the face needs of others. 

The face theories all relate to the politeness theory as to have a polite, positive conversation the positive face act needs to be used. Where as for a negative conversation, the negative face or FTA will be used.  

 Politeness super strategies :
Bald on record
Positive politeness
Negative politeness
Off record
Withhold (from FTA)