Reflections 6 (Face and Politeness)

Interesting lesson and very detailed explanation of various analysis on different polite speech and face saving speech. I like this topic very much, because i always think "face-saving" is a beautiful speech act. And in fact, if you dont want to be branded as "mean", you should know these tatics well in asian culture.

Through out our daily inter-commnunications, we almost applying all politeness maxims. Often here and there, you can hear "i buy you a cup of coffee"or "no mention, i just trying my best" when people thanked you for great help. All these maximum and minimum tactics are more userable on business, i mean, build business relationships. Ya, of course, Singapore unique culture is more restrict - less corruptive behaviors so less tact maxim and generosity maxim on business, but more approbation maxim and modesty maxim. However in other culture for example in china, without tact maxim and generosity maxim you can hardly carry out your business.

As for the face saving, i think this is build into our bond but our cultures and traditions. From very young, i am taught by my parents what to talk and what not to talk and how to not to hurt other people's face. Even somebody say something stupid and you don't agree, do not point straight to the part, but indirectly use other discussion points to make him/her realize his/her point is wrong. This is to prevent the embarrassment of people and make the conversation more comfortable and inter-personal relationship more gentle and less tension.

Here is a chinese Show "面子" ( Face ). The show is about a couple who have 1200 lend to their former neighbor ( moved away and the money forgotten to pay back). The neighbor moved back after a few years. So the couple want to get the money back, but because of "face" issue, they cannot ask the money directly, thus they try to brought up the neighbor's memories using other topics. Enjoy.