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/fˈeɪsθɹˈɛtənɪŋ ˈakt/
/fˈeɪsθɹˈɛʔn̩ɪŋ ˈækt/a communicative behavior or action that poses a risk to someone's positive face, their desired self-image or social identity, potentially leading to face loss or face-threatening situations.
What is a "face-threatening act"?
A face-threatening act is a communicative action that challenges or threatens someone's social identity, self-esteem, or dignity in a conversation. This can occur through direct criticism, insults, requests that impose on someone's time, or any behavior that undermines a person's social face or public image. For example, telling someone, "You always make mistakes," can be seen as a face-threatening act because it may damage that person's self-esteem. Understanding face-threatening acts is important in communication, as they can affect relationships and influence how people respond to one another in social interactions.
