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Identity in guanxi space

An indigenous pragmatic study from Chinese culture

 | Nanjing University
ORCiD logo with link | Nanjing University
Published online: 25 April 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/prag.23017.yua
Abstract
This article argues that identity among the Chinese is operated and must be interpreted in guanxi space, which is the essence of identity in Chinese culture. This can be further summarized as identity in guanxi space, i.e., identity is regulated and operated in the sphere of the four-dimensional quadrants of vertical and horizontal axes. This article thus claims the following about the model of identity in the guanxi space: it embodies the interpersonal, pragmatic characteristics of Chinese culture; it overcomes (to some extent) the neglect of the third party in previous pragmatic analyses; and it constitutes the contribution of indigenous Chinese culture to international pragmatic studies.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Previous studies on identity
  • 3.Identity in guanxi space model
    • 3.1Framing identity in Chinese guanxi space
    • 3.2Critical evaluations on relational identity
    • 3.3A proposed model of identity operation in guanxi space
  • 4.Using the model
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
References (50)
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