How face is perceived in Chinese and Japanese: A contrastive study
Abstract
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.
Keywords:
Publication history
Table of contents
The present paper aims to undertake a contrastive study of face perception in Chinese and Japanese linguacultures from a value-construct perspective. Face is important for Chinese and Japanese people in maintaining interpersonal relationships. While Chinese and Japanese linguacultures share close cultural and historical connections, leading to certain similarities in terms of face and politeness (Ervin-Tripp et al. 1996; Haugh 2005), there are still noticeable differences between the two. The current study explores how face is perceived in Chinese and Japanese linguacultures, devoting particular attention to examining the values that trigger face-enhancement and face-threat. Face-enhancement refers to an individual’s perception of situations where face is positively-evaluated, while face-threat refers to an individual’s perception of situations where face is negatively-evaluated.
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