Chinese political actors often employ diversion and strategic ambiguity to redirect attention from controversies, emphasizing broader or future-focused themes to maintain harmony and authority without direct confrontation. Political figures may respond to allegations with statements that appeal to long-term goals or collective values rather than direct denial or accusations, subtly managing public perception.
Covering up Crises
Chinese government officials often use indirect communication by covering up or delaying disclosure of crises to preserve face and social stability. This can include prohibiting criticalmedia reporting or giving no comment to avoid direct confrontation with public concerns. During the SARS outbreak, local officials in Guangdong restricted media reports on deathrates to save face and maintain order, employing silence and controlled messaging.
Emotional Restraint
Chinese prefer modesty and avoid overt emotional expression in business. Showing restraint respects hierarchy and group harmony: “Being overly enthusiastic, especially before a superior, can be perceived as showing off.”
peculiar habit
East Asians, including the Chinese, have long held a reputation for their peculiar habit of preferring indirect communication when saying “no” to any direct request, as well as their preference for indirect communication against explicitly indicating what they want. More likely, this is so as to not cause a person to lose face, helping preserve the harmony deemed very important within any Chinese social group.
Saying “No” Indirectly
In business negotiations, Chinese often refuse requests indirectly by expressing embarrassment, putting matters off, or speaking vaguely, rather than saying “no” directly: “I’m sorry, but I just found out I have other obligations this weekend,” may stand in for a polite refusal.
Indirect Criticism
Chinese business communication avoids direct criticism or negative statements to save face and maintain harmony. Criticism is softened, often “well packed” and delivered roundabout: “Critical words in China are to be read between the lines, with the main goal to preserve a good relationship.”
Building Relationships through Small Talk
In Chinese business culture, establishing trust through relationship-building activities like small talk, dinners, and informal exchanges is essential before discussing business. The emphasis is on people, not the deal itself: “The more one tries to rush to business, the more the Chinese will focus on relationshipbuilding to create a solid foundation.”
Chinese (Simplified) Grammar
Indirect Speech in Chinese (Simplified) Grammar plays a pivotal role in enhancing communication and interactions among native speakers. Essentially, it allows individuals to report or recount what someone else has said without explicitly quoting them. This particular element of communication is prevalent in both spoken and written Chinese.
Indirect Refusals by Students
Students use indirect speech to politely refuse requests, avoiding direct “no” to preserve relationships: “Oh, it’s really unfortunate timing with my schedule; I’m sorry I can’t assist.”
Indirect Criticism by Teachers
Teachers often soften criticism to maintain student face and harmony. Instead of bluntly stating errors, they mix critique with praise or use gentle suggestions: “In our project, we appreciate your efforts so far; perhaps we could also explore other methods to enhance the results.”