**Speech Functions:**

Speech functions, also known as speech acts, refer to the different purposes or intentions
behind verbal communication. These were extensively studied by linguists J.L. Austin and
further developed by John Searle. Here are several key speech functions:

1. **Declarative Speech Acts:**

- **Function:** Making statements or conveying information.
- **Example:** "The sun rises in the east."

2. **Interrogative Speech Acts:**

- **Function:** Seeking information or asking questions.
- **Example:** "Where are you going?"

3. **Imperative Speech Acts:**

- **Function:** Giving commands or requests.
- **Example:** "Please close the door."

4. **Expressive Speech Acts:**

- **Function:** Expressing emotions, feelings, or attitudes.
- **Example:** "I'm so happy for you!"

5. **Optative Speech Acts:**

- **Function:** Expressing wishes, desires, or hopes.
- **Example:** "May you have a wonderful day!"

Understanding speech functions is crucial for effective communication, as it helps convey the
speaker's intention and allows for appropriate interpretation by the listener.

**Politeness:**
Politeness in language is a socio-linguistic concept that involves using verbal and non-verbal
cues to show consideration, respect, and social harmony in communication. Here are key
aspects of politeness:

1. **Positive Politeness:**
- **Strategy:** Focusing on creating a positive social atmosphere.
- **Example:** Using expressions like "please," "thank you," and compliments.

2. **Negative Politeness:**
- **Strategy:** Avoiding imposition or intrusion, showing deference.
- **Example:** Using indirect requests, such as "Could you possibly..."

3. **Off-Record Politeness:**
- **Strategy:** Indirectly communicating desires without making a direct request.
- **Example:** "It's chilly in here" (implying a desire for someone to close the window).

4. **Face Threatening Acts (FTAs):**

- **Concept:** Politeness theory often involves managing "face," which represents one's
social value and self-esteem.
- **Example:** Avoiding direct criticism to prevent face-threatening acts.

5. **Brown and Levinson's Politeness Theory:**

- **Strategies:** Positive politeness, negative politeness, and off-record politeness are part
of Brown and Levinson's politeness theory, which includes the notion of face and face-
threatening acts.

Understanding and applying politeness strategies are crucial for effective communication,
especially in diverse social and cultural contexts. It helps maintain social harmony and
ensures that interactions are perceived as respectful and considerate.