Common questions

What is losing face in Thai culture?

What is losing face in Thai culture?

Thais believe strongly in the concept of saving face, ie avoiding confrontation and endeavouring not to embarrass themselves or other people (except when it’s sà·nùk to do so).

How can I save my face in Asia?

The key to saving face is avoiding what may cause others discomfort or embarrassment. This may vary depending on the person and situation. It’s important to always pay attention to whom you’re interacting with and the social context in which you interact.

Why is saving face important?

Why is saving face an important leadership skill? Saving face is a universal concept that enables one to connect with people, break down barriers, and build trust and long-term relationships.

What does saving face mean in Japan?

To disagree with someone in public, thus causing them embarrassment, is to make them “lose face” (mentsu wo ushinau). On the other hand, something that helps to build up a person in front of others can be said to “give face” (kao o tateru).

What cultures have the biggest fear of losing face?

If you have spent any time around Chinese culture, you have come across the idea of “losing face”, or diū liǎn (丢脸). “Losing face” and “saving face” are ideas often used in Western cultures.

What is an example of saving face?

The definition of face saving is something done to try to lessen embarrassment or to make one’s self look better in a situation where a person is embarrassed or made to look bad. An example of face saving is saying “Oh I was going to break up with her anyway” after your girlfriend dumps you.

What does saving face as a cultural value mean?

The phrase to “save face” has been around a long time. It’s been part of English vernacular since the 19th century. The concept is a core social value in Asian cultures, among others. Saving Face signifies a desire—or defines a strategy—to avoid humiliation or embarrassment, to maintain dignity or preserve reputation.

What is face-saving behavior?

an act in which one attempts to uphold one’s dignity, as by redressing a social blunder or compensating for a poor impression one has made. Face-saving behavior is an aspect of impression management. See also facework.

Where did the phrase save face come from?

Hence save-face adj. = face-saving Originally used by the English community in China, with reference to the continual devices among the Chinese to avoid incurring or inflicting disgrace. The exact phrase appears not to occur in Chinese, but ‘to lose face’ (diu lien), and ‘for the sake of his face’, are common.

Why is Thai face important?

What is “face”. The best way to describe face as it applies to Thailand is to liken it to what we in the west would call reputation, prestige, honour and social standing. Face is all about being polite, considerate, inoffensive and unobtrusive.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle