Intergenerational Narratives on Face: A South Asian Indian American Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the meaning construction of the South Asian Indian term izzat or face in intergenerational contexts. Interpretive thematic analysis revealed six themes. Key findings indicate: (1) for both older and younger South Asian Indian American (SAIA) generations, family izzat is of primary importance; (2) the motif of "respect" is central to both SAIA generations' in their narratives of izzat; (3) both older and younger SAIAs use the concealment-preventative and diversion-restorative facework strategies to save face. These findings uncover intergenerational communication challenges concerning the shifting boundary parameters of izzat in the diasporic Indian community in the US.

The impact of simulation education on self‐efficacy towards teaching for nurse educators

“…Finally, the practice of Izzat , a Hindi term used to describe the tradition of saving honour, is embedded in Indian culture (Baig et al. ) and may have influenced self‐efficacy scores, making self‐efficacy among nurses in India difficult to compare to similar research conducted in other nations.…”

Honor Killing: Multidimensional and Multilevel Perspectives

“…The English term face (as used, e.g., in the term 'saving face') refers to a claimed sense of desired social image in a relational setting (TingToomey, 1988). On the deeper level, face is a concept people use to gauge their own social self-worth and the social worth of others (Baig et al, 2014). Ting-Toomey's (2005 update of FNT explains the influence of cultural norms and values on people's behavior in different cultural communities and how face is managed in various conflict situations.…”

Understating South Asia interculturally and communicatively: What the contemporary scholarship tells us

“…For example, intergenerational communication of narrative of face and face‐saving, including respecting the family heritage and traditions and saving the face of family/family members were discussed by Baig et al. (2014). On the other hand, Aricat et al.…”

“…To cope with stresses related to cultural adaptation, according to scholars, South Asian immigrants use several strategies, both online and offline, to ensure their physical and psychological well-being (Jibeen, 2011;Jibeen & Khalid, 2010b). For example, intergenerational communication of narrative of face and face-saving, including respecting the family heritage and traditions and saving the face of family/family members were discussed by Baig et al (2014). On the other hand, Aricat et al (2015) showed that through trial and error, the migrants, as an online acculturation strategy, sought to maintain their social and cultural identities, personal dignities by using and handling online devices appropriately.…”