Managing miànzi in Mandarin Chinese talk-in-interaction

What is it about?

This article investigates nonverbal miànzi-saving (face-saving) strategies employed by Mandarin Chinese speakers in talk-in-interaction. Using qualitative methods to analyze audio and video data collected from real conversational activities, this study investigates the nonverbal strategies Mandarin Chinese speakers use to achieve dual purposes of miànzi-saving (face-saving) — other-miànzi-saving acts (OMSAs) and self-miànzi-saving acts (SMSAs). They take some nonverbal actions to realize OMSAs and or SMSAs. In particular, it is proposed that other-miànzi design be used to describe the aspects of the nonverbal cues employed by one party at talk that are constructed to meet the miànzi needs of the other party involved.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

It helps other language speakers gain an insight into nonverbal perspectives of Mandarin Chinese miànzi-saving (face-saving) strategies and communicate effectively with Chinese speakers.