Author(s)

Xu Jun

Corresponding Author

Xu Jun

ABSTRACT

This empirical investigation finds the Chinese workers’ compliment responses determined by their responding strategies, which are found to be influenced by the Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong). Zhongyong’s philosophy of cautious low-profile, self-control and moderation has become Chinese people’s responding strategies. The pictures of Chinese ancient coins contain Zhongyong philosophy as a Circle Outside a Square. The solution of contradictions is mainly that one side must not kill the other, but both sides should have win-win strategies, “conciliatory but not accommodating”. Zhongyong would be a philosophic basis of a harmonious society.

KEYWORDS

Language Philosophy, Intercultural Communication, Compliment Response, Doctrine of The Mean (Zhongyong), Chinese Ethics