Communication in Japan
Communication: high context - In a high context culture, many things are left unsaid, letting the culture explain. Words and word choice become very important in higher context communication, since a few words can communicate a complex message very effectively to an in-group
"Hear One, Understand Ten" (ichi ieba ju wo shiru) is a Japanese phrase that sums up the Japanese approach to communication. The idea is that two people working together should be so in tune with each other that wordy explanations are not necessary. Ideally, a concise statement of “one” should enable the other person to figure out the other nine.
In Japanese culture, by contrast, conversations tend to be about seeking areas of common ground. Expression of a contrasting opinion is avoided. If it must be done, it is done as carefully as possible. In contrast, in Japan there is a tendency to conflate feelings about a person and feelings about their ideas. In Japan, to express direct disagreement with someone can easily be interpreted as not liking or not respecting him.
Ways:
Be sure to ask non-threatening questions, such as: "Please explain more of the background," "Is there anything I should be particularly careful about?" "Do you have any advice for me?" or "Is there any more information you need?" "Can you define that term for me, please?" This way, you can gently gather further information.
Think out loud, devil’s advocate
Honorifics:
honorifics are not part of the basic grammar of the Japanese language
Faux pas, clumsy, arrogant
Dropping:
wife/husband
Common:
San - is the most commonplace honorific, and is a title of respect typically used between equals of any age. the closest analog in English are the honorifics "Mr.", "Miss", "Mrs.", or "Ms.", san is almost universally added to a person's name
Chan – diminutive [demen] it expresses that the speaker finds a person endearing. In general, chan is used, but is not limited to, babies, young children, grandparents and
"Hear One, Understand Ten" (ichi ieba ju wo shiru) is a Japanese phrase that sums up the Japanese approach to communication. The idea is that two people working together should be so in tune with each other that wordy explanations are not necessary. Ideally, a concise statement of “one” should enable the other person to figure out the other nine.
In Japanese culture, by contrast, conversations tend to be about seeking areas of common ground. Expression of a contrasting opinion is avoided. If it must be done, it is done as carefully as possible. In contrast, in Japan there is a tendency to conflate feelings about a person and feelings about their ideas. In Japan, to express direct disagreement with someone can easily be interpreted as not liking or not respecting him.
Ways:
Be sure to ask non-threatening questions, such as: "Please explain more of the background," "Is there anything I should be particularly careful about?" "Do you have any advice for me?" or "Is there any more information you need?" "Can you define that term for me, please?" This way, you can gently gather further information.
Think out loud, devil’s advocate
Honorifics:
honorifics are not part of the basic grammar of the Japanese language
Faux pas, clumsy, arrogant
Dropping:
wife/husband
Common:
San - is the most commonplace honorific, and is a title of respect typically used between equals of any age. the closest analog in English are the honorifics "Mr.", "Miss", "Mrs.", or "Ms.", san is almost universally added to a person's name
Chan – diminutive [demen] it expresses that the speaker finds a person endearing. In general, chan is used, but is not limited to, babies, young children, grandparents and