In a country such as the United States, so many people and cultures coexist that the potential for becoming involved in an intercultural intimate relationship is great. As the world becomes more global in its economic, business, and technical dealings, there is an even greater mix of cultures and traditions. Intercultural intimate relationships deserve special study then, as issues which arise between the two individuals may be viewed differently based on the upbringing of each. Actual ethnic differences may not be as important as cultural differences which affect attitudes, behaviors, and communication. These items are fundamental to a relationship and therefore if very dissimilar could affect marital satisfaction and discord.
One aspect dependent on culture and relating to a person's self-concept and function is that of face. The conceptualization itself of face is strongly influenced by cultural values and communication styles but involves the presentation of the self to others and is shown through behavior and communication, both verbal and nonverbal. Ting Toomey has identified two concerns of face. The first involves which face is being presented: self-face, other-face, or mutual-face. The second is the varying types of face: positive and negative. Negative face "focuses on the negotiation process between two interdependent parties concerning the degree of threat or respect each give to the other's sense of freedom and individual autonomy (Morisaki & Gudykunst, 1994, 50). Positive face entails the degree of threat or respect each gives to one another's need for inclusion and approval (Morisaki & Gudykunst, 1994, 50). Face can be lost, saved, or given. When lost, an individual has failed to present a proper identity; when saved, he or she has managed to maintain a certain impression with others; and when given, an individual has helped another gain or maintain face. Facework is defined as the countermeasures taken wh...