Communicating Effectively with the Chinese

by Ge Gao; Stella Ting-Toomey

• ISBN13: 9780803970021
• ISBN10: 0803970021
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-06-10
• Publisher: Sage Publications

Summary

Utilizing the 'self-OTHER' perspective as a conceptual foundation, the authors portray and interpret some of the distinctive communication practices in Chinese culture. They examine how self-conception, role and hierarchy, relational dynamics and face affect ways of conducting everyday talk in Chinese culture. They explain why miscommunication between Chinese and North Americans takes place and suggest ways to improve communication. By incorporating instances of everyday talk, the authors offer a realistic and clear illustration of the specific characteristics and functions of Chinese communication, as well as problematic areas of Chinese//North American encounters.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Self-Other Perspective and Communication	1	(22)
Conceptualizing Chinese Culture and Communication	2	(5)
Self-Other Perspective: Contextualizing Chinese Communication	7	(12)
Conclusion	19	(1)
Organization of the Book	19	(4)
Chinese Personal Relationship Development Processes	23	(12)
Gan Qing: The Basis of Chinese Personal Relationships	24	(5)
Ren Qing and Bao	29	(5)
Conclusion	34	(1)
Characteristics of Chinese Communication	35	(18)
Han Xu	37	(4)
Ting Hua	41	(4)
Ke Qi	45	(3)
The Insider Effect on Communication	48	(3)
Conclusion	51	(2)
Mian Zi	53	(16)
The Conceptualization of Mian Zi	53	(3)
Implications of the Concern for Mian Zi	56	(4)
Mian Zi: Face-Directed Communication Strategies	60	(8)
Conclusion	68	(1)
Miscommunication Between Chinese and North Americans	69	(18)
Chinese-North American Communication in a Dilemma	70	(1)
What Is Not Said Versus What Is Said	71	(2)
We Versus I	73	(1)
Polite Versus Impolite Talk	74	(1)
Indirect Versus Direct Talk	75	(2)
Hesitant Versus Assertive Speech	77	(1)
Self-Effacing Versus Self-Enhancing Talk	78	(3)
Private Versus Public Personal Questions	81	(1)
Reticent Versus Expressive Speech	82	(1)
Improving Chinese-North American Communication	83	(4)
Epilogue	87	(8)
Limitations	87	(2)
Future Avenues of Inquiry	89	(3)
Conclusion	92	(3)
References	95	(8)
Index	103	(6)
About the Authors	109