A Contrastive Analysis of the Concept of “Face” for Chinese And Americans15.docVIP

PAGE 18 PAGE 17 A Contrastive Analysis of the Concept of “Face” for Chinese And Americans 1 Introduction 1.1 Background of “Face” Research The study of Chinese concept of “face” has become urgent. In Zhai Xuewei’s words, “whether face should be studied, whether it can be studied or not; if so, how it should be studied and what results such studies would yield, all relate to the issues of to what extent Chinese will be able to understand their own society-culture psychology and where the Chinese destiny lies, and to grasp the differences of facework from a variety of cultures”(1998:236). Until now no study has been found to deal exclusively with the relationship between facework and conflict-related issues. This study aims to draw relevant connections between Chinese facework and Chinese conflict prevention. 1.2 The Significance of “Face” Research With the development of economy, in any interpersonal communication situation, it is of great importance for an individual to understand clearly his or her partner’s face needs. The study of face and facework is also growing, especially in the field of communication and related fields. This study provides the similarities and differences in face perceptions between China and the United States. It is self-evident that research on differences of face concerns contributes more reduction of intercultural misunderstandings and promotes more effective and smooth communication between cultures, in particular those cultures with distinctively different values. The previous research results will be challenged and some long cherished ideas may be called into question. 2 Literature Review 2.1 Face in China 2.1.1 Historical reference to Chinese face Like all cultures, the Chinese world view has been shaped by religion, especially Confucianism. Confucianism, meanwhile, has exerted significant influence on the course of everyday life in China. This religion is set up as exclusive and competitive philosophies. Rather, it has b