What is saving face in Asian culture?
The concept is a core social value in Asian cultures, among others. The meaning has remained stable across time. Saving Face signifies a desire—or defines a strategy—to avoid humiliation or embarrassment, to maintain dignity or preserve reputation.
How can I save my face in Asia?
Simple Tips for Building Face in Asia Preventing someone from losing face is a very good way to make a new friend. Politely deflect compliments that come your way. Turn them around to compliment your teacher, parents, or team. Laugh and smile at your own mistakes but then let them go.
What is face in Asian culture and why should we care?
The Chinese concept of “face” (aka 面子 or miànzi) refers to a cultural understanding of respect, honor and social standing. Actions or words that are disrespectful may cause somebody to “lose face” while gifts, awards and other respect-giving actions may “give face”.
What is the concept of saving face?
Definition of save face : to avoid having other people lose respect for oneself He tried to save face by working overtime.
How can I save my face in Japan?
A Chinese engaged in price negotiations might ask for a discount by saying 給我一点面子 (Gei wo yi dian mianzi, give me a little face.) Japanese examples of usage include メンツを失う (mentsu wo ushinau, to lose face) and メンツを保つ (mentsu wo tamotsu, to save face).
What is the concept of face in Chinese culture?
The concept of face (mianzi) in Chinese culture is a complex one. It can perhaps be most closely defined as “dignity” or “prestige”, but no translation can aptly cover all its fine nuances. As a foreigner, it will often be assumed and accepted that you do not mean to cause someone to lose face.
How do you let someone save face?
Thank you!
- Make “respect” a corporate value.
- Give feedback the right way.
- Allow those who lost an argument to save face.
- Arrive to meetings on time.
- Align your actions to your promises.
- Assess your employees’ behaviors toward all stakeholders.
- Assess yourself.
What is save face culture?
In Chinese culture, the concept of ‘face’, AKA mianzi (mi-an-ze), refers to the amount of “dignity” or “prestige” that’s associated with an individual. So, ‘saving face’ means to keep others from losing respect for oneself or to avoid embarrassment.
Why is saving face so important in China?
‘Losing face’ in China is said to be caused by embarrassment, disagreement, or criticism. ‘Losing face’ is equal to losing the respect of others, and avoiding this situation (‘saving face’) is very important in Chinese culture.
Why is “saving face” so important in China?
Because “saving face” is such a strong motivating force in China, it’s also one of the most important concepts in understanding the Chinese Mind. As we dive deeper into this concept, we’re going to cover the following basics:
What is “face” in Chinese culture?
Of all the idiosyncrasies of Chinese culture, the concept of “face” is perhaps most difficult for Westerns to fully grasp. Because “saving face” is such a strong motivating force in China, it’s also one of the most important concepts in understanding the Chinese Mind. As we dive deeper into this concept, we’re going to cover the following basics:
What is a face culture?
Face cultures, found primarily in East Asian societies such as China and Japan, sprang up in agricultural regions with rapidly growing populations that required organized food production, a collective goal facilitated by cooperation and strong central governments. Face cultures have a reputation for social responsibility.
How do foreigners feel about face-saving measures in China?
Unsurprisingly, foreigners upon seeing face-saving measures in action sometimes cannot help but shake their heads and judge it wholly excessive. There’s a common saying in China that you “do not wash your dirty linen in public” (家丑不可外扬).