Abstract：Nowadays, the connection between countries is becoming closer and closer. Cross-cultural communication has become the main trend of the international situation. Face, as a cultural phenomenon of the society, is an important aspect of cross-cultural communication. Because of different cultural origins, there are many differences of face culture between China and western countries.

The American classical film Rush Hour mainly tells the story that the Chinese detective Lee and the American detective Carter work together to save a hostage, there are a lot of misunderstandings in it. Based on some aspects related to face culture in the film, this paper will analyze the differences of the values, thinking models and language behaviors between China and western countries. Then it will also study how to choose effective tactics to maintain faces of both sides when they meet conflicts. 

The effective use of strategies to solve face conflicts can reduce the misunderstandings in the cross-cultural communication between the Chinese and the westerns. In addition, it can facilitate communication, in order to achieve a more harmonious interpersonal relationship.

Keywords: face culture  comparative study  Rush Hour

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background of This Paper-1

1.2 The Purpose of This Paper-1

1.3 The Structure of This Paper.-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 The Definition of Face-3

2.2 Previous Studies on Face Culture.3

2.2.1 The Study at Home3

2.2.2 The Study Abroad4

2.3 Summary.-5

Chapter Three Some Aspects Related to Face Culture in the Film Rush Hour-6

3.1 Some Aspects Related to Face Management.-6

3.1.1 Giving Praises to Maintain Face.-6

3.1.2 Making Excuses to Save Face.-6

3.1.3 Sidestepping Questions to Maintain Face.-7

3.2 Conflicts of Face Culture Between China and Western Countries-7

Chapter Four Different Cultural Origins Between China and Western Countries-10

4.1 Different Values Leading to Different Face Culture.-10

4.2 Different Thinking Models Leading to Different Face Culture.-10

4.3 Different Language Behaviors Leading to Different Face Culture-11

Chapter Five Tactics to Deal with Conflicts of Face Culture-12

5.1 Politeness Tactics-12

5.2 Euphemism Tactics-12

5.3 Humor Tactics-13

Chapter Six Conclusion-14

6.1 Major Findings of This Paper-14

6.2 Limitations and Suggestions for Further Research-14

References-15