en one is presented with a face-threatening situation. There are many conceptualizations of face based on culture. A predominant difference lies in the fact that Eastern cultures tend to perceive face as an interdependent phenomenon: face is not an issue when others are not around (Morisaki & Gudykunst, 1994, 50).
Communication is also affected by culture. The concept of communication as low-context or high-context is particularly relevant. Low-context communication is defined as being precise and consistently relying on feelings. It relies on openness and the sharing of personal information (Gudykunst et. al., 1996, 517). High-context communication allows individuals to get to know each other through group-based information (Gudykunst et. al, 1996, 517). Members of the group camouflage their true feelings when communicating so as to preserve the harmony of the group (Gudykunst et. al., 1996, 517). Competent high-context communicators will use silence to communicate various emotions such as truthfulness, disapproval, embarrassment, or disagreement (Gudykunst et. al., 1996, 517). In low-context communication settings, silence is found to be an uncomfortable void which needs to be filled (Gudykunst et. al., 1996, 517). Low-context communication emphasizes the direct and explicit whereas high-context features implicit and indirect methods (Gudykunst et. al., 1996, 517).
A third concept influencing intercultural intimate relations is that of uncertainty avoidance. These theories center around the individual and cultural observations and perceptions of uncertainty. Whether members are willing to proceed in uncertain circumstances or not and how difficult this may be for them is reflected in their upbringing. In those situations where certainty can never be obtained, to which degree individuals will set their minds to rest is affected as well. For instance, in arranged marriages, the spouses do not necessarily worry abo...