Chinese Harmony Theory

Jen, Yi, and Li

Jen, embedded in the principle of reciprocity and empathy, is a collective virtue of showing love in interactions. Through a mutually and empathically dependent process, the essence of jen is emitted to sustain the harmonious interaction. Yi, as the internal criterion of appropriate communication behaviors, provides individuals with the capacity to exhibit flexibility and adaptability in a specific context dictated by social norms to reach harmony. Li symbolizes the formality of human interaction and connects an individual's character and social duties by following the rules of conduct and speech in communication. Only through following li can an individual actively adjust to the harmonious and hierarchical order of society, avoid embarrassing confrontations, and handle socially ambiguous situations to uphold the group control over egocentric tendencies. These three intrinsic concepts form the foundation of the inner structure of interactants in creating harmonious Chinese communication.

Shi, Wei, and Ji

Shi requires the ability of knowing the temporal relations to appropriately perform what one ought to in different stages of human interaction. Unable to recognize the change of temporal contingencies in interactions is detrimental to the achievement of harmony and therefore leads to a failure of communication. The spatial contingencies of wei consist of social context and communication environment. Knowing wei refers to the realization and distinctions of who, what, and where in the process of interaction, which is typically reflected in the hierarchical structure of human relationships. Thus, an increase in knowing wei will increase the development of harmony in Chinese communication. Ji is the hidden sign of the beginning of a movement that shows the trace of possible consequences of an ongoing interaction. Being [Page 96]competent to the Chinese means developing a harmonious state by knowing what is hidden and what is evident during the interaction. The way to foster the capacity of knowing ji is based on sensitivity and sincerity.

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