Can you provide examples of respectful language in Chinese debates

In Chinese debates, respectful language often emphasizes politeness, indirectness, and humility to maintain harmony and respect for others’ viewpoints. Common examples include using honorific or polite terms when addressing opponents, softening disagreement by phrases like “我觉得…” (“I think…”) or “可能不太对…” (“maybe not quite right…”), and using inclusive language such as “我们一起…” (“let us together…”) to show cooperation. Indirect expressions and euphemisms are frequently used to avoid direct confrontation or blunt criticism. Also, using respectful second-person pronouns like “您” instead of the neutral “你” reflects politeness.

Respectful debating tactics also involve acknowledging the opponent’s points first, then offering a contrasting view gently, often with phrases like “这个观点很有意思，不过…” (“This point is interesting, but…”). These strategies uphold face-saving and emphasize mutual respect consistent with Chinese cultural communication norms. ^{4, 6, 10, 12}

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