Intergenerational Narratives on Face: A South Asian Indian American Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the meaning construction of the South Asian Indian term izzat or face in intergenerational contexts. Interpretive thematic analysis revealed six themes. Key findings indicate: (1) for both older and younger South Asian Indian American (SAIA) generations, family izzat is of primary importance; (2) the motif of “respect” is central to both SAIA generations' in their narratives of izzat; (3) both older and younger SAIAs use the concealment-preventative and diversion-restorative facework strategies to save face. These findings uncover intergenerational communication challenges concerning the shifting boundary parameters of izzat in the diasporic Indian community in the US.