An initial analysis of the effects of face and concern for "other" in Chinese interpersonal communication

The present study investigated two of the most frequently used concepts in Chinese communication processes-face and "other" were analyzed. It was foun d that face and "other" played important roles in Chinese interpersonal com munication. Specifically, the two dimensions of face, lian and mian, convey ed different messages in the everyday discourse of the Chinese. The notion of lian used in its negative form was related to a person's moral character and personal integrity. Mian, however, was used in compliance gaining, con flict mediation, and requesting. Results also revealed that the concept of "other" was important in self reproach, decision making, behavior regulatio n, and effectiveness of requests.(1) (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.