loss of face

[ladorada]

I am translating a text from Paul Auster and I encountered this expression "loss of face". The context is like this: a man leaves his pregnant wife and, after a while, when he thinks about returning home, he feels shame. And he says:

"The shame of it would be too much for him: the questions, the recriminations, the loss of face. Much better that they should think he had died." (Moon Palace, p. 165)

Is "loss of face" the same thing with a loss of authority considering the feminine Chinese character of the novel, Kitty Wu, and the importance of "face" in the Chinese culture? Can you propose another syntagm for "loss of face"?

[Quizmonkey]

In this context 'face' means dignity - so it means loss of one's own personal dignity; or mild humiliation.

[Quizmonster]

While 'face' in this sense is important in all cultures, it seems to be especially so in oriental ones, as you suggest. There, they seem to think nothing of committing suicide if the disgrace is sufficiently bad. So, 'humiliation' - as Quizmonkey suggests above - or 'degradation' might be suitable alternatives.

[dmk]

I would also suggest that to lose face very much implies to lose standing and respect in the eyes of others

[St Germain]

Socially embarrassed.

[~max~]

By god, this site is ALSO great for translation help! I shall know where to seek help from when I finally get my life into gear and get some work!

A context explanation from natives is invaluable, as all translators know. Thank you all in advance (god help).

PS: I only looked at this post because Paul Auster is one of my favourite authors. Sorry...

[ladorada]

Thank you for your answers and comments. To sum up, "loss of face" denotes loss of personal dignity, standing and respect in the eyes of others, implying mild humiliation, social degradation or embarrassment.

Now I am wondering which are the phrases or sayings related to this. The expression "to have egg on your face", for instance, might be used to express embarrassment, but not in the context of Auster's fragment. Perhaps this is more colloquial than "loss of face". Is there any other more suitable?

[marwel7]

I have always interpreted the phrase as being the loss of personal honour.Considering the context that could be closer as his actions in leaving his wife are less than honourable and to return would diminish those he had left.

What are you translating the piece from and to?