POLITENESS THEORY AND FACE-SAVING STRATEGIES IN ADDRESSING TABOO WORDS

Abstract

Taboo words, often linked to sensitive topics such as sexuality, religion, and bodily functions, pose unique challenges in communication. Their usage can threaten both the speaker’s and listener’s "face," a sociolinguistic concept referring to an individual’s public self-image (Goffman, 1967). Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory (1987) provides a framework for understanding how face-threatening acts (FTAs) are managed, emphasizing the importance of face-saving strategies in mitigating the potential harm caused by such language. This thesis investigates the intersection of politeness theory and taboo words, offering insights into how speakers navigate the tension between expressiveness and appropriateness in various sociocultural contexts.