In communicating with others verbally, mariam tries not to say anything that might shed negative light on the person she is communicating with. according to your text, mariam’s guiding cultural principle in verbal communication is

Face-saving

Explanation:

Face saving behavior refers to the behavior in which the person tries to cover up and cope up with the situation to maintain and balance their dignity. The behavior helps in preventing the embarrassment which would precede the event. The individuals help in the continuation of the situation by ignoring some of the flaws. Mariam's guiding principle in verbal communication in the above case is termed to be a face-saving behavior in terms of psychology.

Mariam’s guiding cultural principle in verbal communication is face-saving. Face-saving includes saying or doing things (or not saying anything) to avoid them being uncomfortable or otherwise dropping social status.

EXPLANATION:  

There are several ways to face-saving, including:

•Do not bring their failures with them.

•Make excuses for those who explain their failures or give good reasons for things that do not seem to make sense to them.

•Not disclose to others the information you have about people that will cause others to think less about them.

•Take actions to rectify their failures without disclosing to others that you have done this.

•Blaming yourself for the mistakes they made.

Face-saving can be active or passive. Active face-saving is where you get out of your way to save and help them, for instance by taking mistakes for things that are not your fault. The passive one has a 'no harm' philosophy and it means that you avoid saying or doing things that will embarrass others.  

Social status, as shown by the appreciation of others, arises as a deep demand in most people and therefore many are very afraid of 'losing face.' Help them maintain this position when they may feel ashamed of showing concern that builds trust and obligation.

Face-saving is important for many people, but it is very important in cultures where personal status is the main means of trusting relationships, compare to where there is broad social trust and supporting the law. In such a culture, face-saving is ritual and obligatory, because to shame others means to offend them and dare them to conflict. When losing face is important, asking others to save face, especially if they have been harmed or lost face in the process, must be valued and get meaningful help in return.

LEARN MORE:  

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:

•What strategy of cooperative verbal communication is she violating?

KEYWORDS: Verbal Communication, Face-saving

Subject  : Social Studies

Class  : 10-12

Sub-Chapter: Face-saving in Verbal Communication