Ringo Ma

The role of unofficial intermediaries in interpersonal conflicts in the Chinese culture

Previous studies suggest that a major difference between Chinese and North American cultures is the “indirect” versus “direct” mode of communication. Based on interviews conducted in informal settings, this study discovered that in China, unofficial mediation is common in situations involving interpersonal conflicts. The mediator was usually a friend of the two parties in conflict or an elderly person respected by both. He or she intervened on his or her own initiative or in response to a request by a person other than the two in conflict. In addition, impartiality and face maintenance were perceived as two key factors in successful mediation.

Saying “yes” for “no” and “no” for “yes”: A Chinese rule

Abstract ‘Contrary-to-face-value’ messages, which can only be understood from a contextual, not from a strictly text-based approach to communication, have caused many problems in communication between East Asians and Anglo-Americans. A typology of ‘contrary-to-face-value communication’ (CFVC), as identified in the Chinese culture, is proposed in this study. Four forms of CFVC are identified on the basis of the following two dimensions of CFVC: internal motivation (other-serving or self-serving), and external speech (saying “yes” for “no” or “no” for “yes”). Though confusing to cultural outsiders, each of the four forms can be justified from an insiders perspective.

Spread of SARS and War-Related Rumors through New Media in China

Current literature suggests that, as a form of communication, rumor is a story or statement circulated without confirmation. Rumors emerge under conditions marked by a combination of uncertainty, involvement, anxiety, and credulity, and may circulate by word-of-mouth or various media. The SARS- and war-related rumors in China in 2003 have stimulated new thoughts to the existing theories of rumor. The spread of the rumors was due to a unique combination of Chinese culture and society, the media environment in China, and conditions conducive to generating rumors. New media played a significant role in disseminating information with high efficiency and facilitating free flow of information.

Media, Crisis, and SARS: An Introduction

At times of crisis, non-state-controlled media thrive, while state-controlled media are usually rewarded for creating an illusion of normalcy. Overall, media reporting plays a key role in the perce...

Persuasion Strategies of Chinese College Students in Interpersonal Contexts

Previous studies suggest that the persuasion strategies adopted in the Chinese culture tend to be indirect and subtle. This study sought to identify commonly adopted strategies of persuasion in interpersonal contexts in contemporary Chinese societies and to answer why they are perceived to be appropriate and effective. Ninety‐five college students in China and Taiwan were interviewed or responded, to a questionnaire that asked them to describe real‐life scenarios of persuasion and associated sense‐making processes. Analysis revealed 16 categories, most of which belonged to one of three themes: “anshi” (“hinting”) ’yi shen zuo ze” (“setting an example by ones own action”), and “tou qi suo hao” (“strategically agreeing to whatever pleases others”). In addition, “direct [logical] appeal” was also commonly adopted. The preference for the three themes seemed to reflect a general concern for guanxi (relationships or connections).

An Exploratory Study of Discontented Responses in American and Chinese Relationships.

This study investigated discontented responses within and between American and Chinese cultures. Previous studies suggest that Americans rely on more explicit codes than Chinese, and that while disagreement prompts less strong discontented responses than injury or disappointment in both cultures, Chinese respond to intimates more explicitly than to acquaintances or strangers. University students of both cultures were asked to respond to hypothetical episodes by indicating their degree of discontent. Results of statistical analyses demonstrate only marginal cultural differences. Possible explanations were provided based on the results.

The relationship between intercultural and nonverbal communication revisited: From facial expression to discrimination

The inclusion of nonverbal communication has given communication studies a broader range of cross‐cultural application and eliminated some “blind spots” in intercultural communication. Theories of nonverbal communication can now be applied to study discrimination in intercultural contexts. Some modules of discrimination are proposed to suggest a new relationship between intercultural communication and nonverbal communication studies.