Vol. 34:2 (2024) ► pp.264–292
How face is perceived in Chinese and Japanese
A contrastive study
This study aims to examine how Chinese and Japanese speakers perceive face-enhancement and face-threat from a value-construct perspective. A mixed-method research design consisting of a questionnaire and structured interviews was employed. The results suggest that the values which trigger face-enhancement and face-threat are differently distributed between the two linguacultures in face-threatening and face-enhancing situations. Both Chinese and Japanese participants agreed that competence was the top value for face-enhancement. The Chinese participants considered status superiority as the more sensitive triggering value of face-enhancement, whereas the Japanese participants believed that good public image, self-esteem, and pride were the main factors. In face-threatening scenarios, the Japanese participants paid more attention to self-abasement and shame, inconsideration and irresponsibility, whereas the Chinese were more sensitive to incompetence. We attribute these differences in individuals’ perspectives on interpersonal relationships as a possible cause of their divergent perceptions of face.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Literature review
- 2.1Defining ‘face’ in Chinese and Japanese
- 2.2Previous empirical studies of face in Chinese and Japanese
- 3.Data and methods
- 3.1Participants
- 3.2Instruments
- 3.3Procedures
- 3.4Data coding and analysis
- 4.Results
- 4.1Prominent triggering values of face-enhancement and face-threat
- 4.2Comparison between Chinese and Japanese participants
- 5.Discussion
- 5.1The asymmetry of triggering values in face-enhancement and face-threat scenarios
- 5.2Perceptions of face-enhancement and face-threat by Chinese and Japanese
- 5.3Face perception and interpersonal relationship in Chinese and Japanese linguacultures
- 6.Conclusion
- Notes
-
References