Discussions

- The Role of Politeness Theory in Shaping Indirectness

   - Overview of Politeness Theory

   - Application in Mandarin and English

      - Influence on Indirect Communication Patterns

- Different Levels of Formality in Address Terms

   - Address Terms in Mandarin

      - Analysis of "您" and Its Cultural Significance

      - Reflecting Respect and Social Distance

   - Address Terms in English

      - Examination of "Mr./Mrs." and Their Cultural Implications

      - Connotations of Formality and Hierarchy

- Cultural Conceptualizations of Face

   - Definition of "Face" in Cultural Context

   - Role in Preferences for Direct or Indirect Communication

      - Influence on Mandarin Culture

         - Exploration of "Mianzi"

         - Encouragement of Indirect Communication

      - Comparison with Western Culture

         - Lesser Emphasis on Face in Individualist Societies

- Politeness Strategies and Cultural Notions of "Face"

   - Overview of Politeness Strategies

   - Cultural Influence on Indirect Communication Patterns

      - Collectivist Cultures like China

         - Impact on Face-Saving and Harmony

         - Formality Levels in Address Terms

      - Individualist Western Cultures

         - Lesser Emphasis on Face

         - Implications for Social Harmony

- Cross-Cultural Communication Implications

   - Case Studies of Directness Misunderstandings

   - Strategies for Improvement

      - Explicit Discussion of Styles

      - Attention to Context Clues

      - Avoiding Assumptions

- Comparative Analysis of Idioms and Proverbs

   - Insight into Cultural Preferences

   - Mandarin Proverb: "Enough is enough, even if it comes from your family"

   - English Idiom: “to beat around the bush”

- Misunderstandings Between Speakers

   - Examples: Mandarin Speaker Perceived as Impolite, English Speaker as Unclear

   - Importance of Cultural Pattern Recognition

      - Comparative Study

      - Raising Awareness to Prevent 

 - Implications for Cross-Cultural Communication

   - Case Studies

      - Examples of Misunderstandings

      - Analysis of Differences in Directness Norms

   - Strategies for Improvement

      - Explicit Discussion of Communication Styles

      - Attention to Context Clues

      - Avoidance of Assumptions

- Comparative Analysis of Idioms and Proverbs

   - Purpose and Significance

   - Study of Idioms and Proverbs

      - Mandarin: "Enough is enough, even if it comes from your family"

         - Encourages Direct Feedback

      - English: “to beat around the bush”

         - Implies a Preference for Indirectness

- Misunderstandings Between Mandarin and English Speakers

   - Examples

      - English Speaker's Perception of Mandarin Speaker as Impolite

      - Mandarin Speaker's Perception of English Speaker as Unclear or Deceptive

   - Strategies for Prevention

      - Comparative Study of Cultural Patterns

      - Raising Awareness to Avoid Misunderstandings