Face-Threatening Acts of Teachers: A Discourse Analysis of Politeness in the Workplace

Abstract

This politeness study aimed to investigate the face-threatening acts of interactants in their casual conversations in terms of positive and negative wants and to determine how interactants exhibit face-saving acts in conversations. The study made use of discourse analysis as a method of analysing the recorded and transcribed conversations with FGD and in-depth interviews to ensure the validity of data source. The researcher classified, analyzed and interpreted the gathered data from the casual conversations among the faculty of Compostela Valley State College. The results showed that face-threatening acts which cause damages on the hearer’s positive face are insults, complaints, disapproval, rejections, bringing of bad news, boasting, inattentions, non-cooperation, unleashing of negative emotions and challenges. Comments and criticisms generally exist but these are commonly in the form of humour which made the conversation among the faculty of the college sparky and engaging. Face-threatening acts which cause damages on the speaker’s positive face are self-humiliation, acceptance of compliments and confessions. In terms of the face-threatening acts which cause damages on the hearer’s negative face, the common FTAs are suggestions, promises, requests, threats, challenges, dares, reminders, compliments, offers, and suggestions. Requests as FTAs are the most commonly exhibited while interactants engaged themselves in casual conversations. Showing extravagant paralinguistic codes while engaging in casual conversations is also demonstrated by interactants as FTA. While the negative FTAs on speaker’s face are expression of negative emotions, accepting compliments, and succumbing to the power of the hearer