Another person’s face can be referred to directly and generously(慷慨地) promoted(促进). Take note(注意), though: the Confucian hierarchies(儒家的等级制度)play an important role here. If you are in the superior(级别、地位较高的)role (boss, teacher, father, customer, etc.), it gives face for you to praise your subordinates(级别、职位较低者). If you are in the inferior (级别、地位较低的)role (employee, student, salesman, etc.), your attempt to (试图)give face by praising your superior may label you a ‘poseur’ (装腔作势的人)(not aware of your own level). Alternatively(或者), praising your superior is understood as intending to curry favor (赢取好感、拍马屁). The Chinese have two colorful expressions(富有趣味的表达)describing this. A gen pi chong(跟屁虫)is a fart-following insect (‘brown noser’ in the West) who likes to pai ma pi(拍马屁)or ‘stroke the horse’s ass’. Face can be given to superior by letting them instruct you or give you face in front of others. They gain face by giving face, you gain face by retreating(退让).

Confucian hierarchies of face are no more evident(显而易见的)than in the definition of family structure(家庭结构)through language. Every familiar relationship extending out in several branches carries a distinct (明显的、确切的) term. For example, older brother (gege) and younger brother (didi) are separate terms. Paternal grandmother(父亲的母亲)(zumu) and maternal grandmother(母亲的母亲)(wai zumu, literally (字面意思) ‘outside grandmother’) carry a distinct difference in tone(语气)and apparent class(显而易见的等级). The terms for ‘Mister’ is mot telling: xiansheng means ‘firstborn’ (as in first-born male heir), a person with whom the hope and future of the family resides(存在). In contrast(相对而言), the term for ‘Miss’ is xiaojie, which means ‘little big sister.’ If you are speaking English to your Chinese counterparts, you will not need to memorize all the different relations. However, you’ll need to remember how you fit into the hierarchy of face in each particular conversation in Chinese.

In conclusion, one gains face by understanding the role one is in and what actions are appropriate(适宜的)to that role to maintain harmony(保持和谐).

1. Why is Confucian hierarchy mentioned here?()

A.It is mentioned here because it plays an important role in moral education.

B.It is mentioned here because it is an important part of the Chinese face.

C.It is mentioned here for both reasons stated in A and B.

D.It is mentioned here for some reasons other than those stated in A or B.

2. As a superior you give face ________.

A.by praising your subordinates

B.by understanding your role in the hierarchy

C.by gaining face through praising your subordinates

D.by instructing your subordinates

3.As a subordinate you give face ________.

A.by gaining face through praising your superior

B.by instructing your superior

C.by praising your superior

D.by letting your superior to give you face

4.Why is Chinese family structure mentioned here?()

A.It is mentioned here because it plays an important role in moral education.

B.It is mentioned here because it shows Confucian hierarchies of face.

C.It is mentioned here for both reasons stated in A and B.

D.It is mentioned here for some reasons other than those stated in A or B.

5.According to the author, how are face and harmony related?()

A.One gives face by understanding what harmony is.

B.One gives face by understanding what actions are appropriate to maintain harmony.

C.One gains face by understanding the role he is in and act to maintain harmony.

D.One gains face by understanding what harmony is.