Abstract: This study aims to investigate the similarities and differences of compliment in business negotiation between Chinese and US in the angle of face theory, including the matter of how to use appropriate compliment, identify them and give appropriate responses. Through the comparison in terms of face theory in China and US, it reveals the universality and particularity of compliment usage and responses as well. Compliment plays an important role in effective communications both in home and abroad. Also in international business negotiation, mastering compliment is a great ability to make successful Sino-US negotiations come true. This thesis studies frequency, functions, formulas, and responses of compliment in business negotiation, and then concludes its features. At last, this paper works out several methods to avoid or weaken the negtive influence of differences brought about by face theory. 

Key words: compliment; face theory; Sino-US negotiation

摘要：本文通过中美面子观在形成原因的差异入手，旨在分析在商务谈判中对英汉恭维语的影响，包括怎么样正确使用、辨认恭维语并给予适当的回答。通过中美面子观的对比，也揭示了恭维语使用和恭维语应答的普遍性和特殊性。恭维语对于有效的交流起到很重要的作用，在商务谈判中正确灵活的掌握恭维语有利于中美谈判的成功。由此本文在研究恭维语使用的频率、模式、功能跟应答的基础上，总结其特点。最后，本文提出了四条对策，用来减少甚至消除面子观差异对恭维语的影响。

关键词:面子观；恭维语；中美商务谈判