The
following is online cultural research conducted by my Japanese 1B
students in Spring 2005. I thought that you may find their research
interesting and useful.
Format: Subject, Url, Summary, Personal Comment, and Question
(Sorry, a couple of links are not working)
(1)
Japanese Body Gesture
Website: http://www.geocities.com/japanfaq/FAQ-Manners.html
“The Japanese gesture for "Come here" is to put
your hand palm out, fingers up, and raise and lower your fingers
a few times. The western gesture of palm-up, closing your hand is
only used to call animals to you.”
This is good to know because I wouldn't want anyone to think I was
tacitly calling them a dog when I'm just trying to get them over
my way. If I remember correctly, Gunterman Sensei related a story
in which a bus driver who was about to take off saw a few people
hurrying towards him. So, he stopped and did the Japanese version
of "come here" with his hands. Since it's backwards from
the western motion, the people, being foreigners, thought he was
stopping to shoe them away. Which would be ironic, but that was
their initial impression. So, this is good to know for travel as
well.
Question: The western form of motioning someone to come to you is
used in Japan only towards:
A. Squirrels B. Chipmunks C. Badgers D. Any animal.
(2)
Bowing
http://www.moveandstay.com/tokyo/guide_dodont.asp
People in Japan bow -- a lot. Visitors are not expected to know
the complexities of the bow. First, bow from the waist with the
arms straight at your sides. Imitate the bows you receive. Don't
over bow or ignore the greeting. It's better to smile politely and
nod your head than to be perceived as rude.
This information is interesting because we don't have bowing in
the United States. When people bow, I feel very awkward because
I don't know what to do. But now I know I should imitate the bow,
or at least nod my head.
Question: If you are bowed to, extend the gesture and overbow or
ignore the greeting because you are not comfortable doing so. True
or False.
(3)
Japanese Custom of Gift-Giving
http://ks.essortment.com
http://www.thejapanfaq.com
When one has formed relationships with people in Japan, the custom
of giving presents is widely observed. Giving a gift on a certain
occasion will strengthen the relationship between the giver and
the receiver and will say a lot without the need for words. A modest
gift is best as an extravagant gift will embarrass them and ruin
the good will that was intended.
When someone is invited to a Japanese family's house, it is wise
to bring a gift to give to the hostess. Flowers are ideal gifts
and so are nicely presented food. If the hostess doesn't open the
gift immediately, there's no need to be offended. It is bad manners
to open the gift immediately after it is received.
This information is useful because I never thought that gift giving
is very special in Japan. I think I learn quite a lot from this
because I see it as a way of strengthening the relationships with
other people. I also thought that it was very polite of not opening
gifts in front of other people because you don't want to disappoint
them.
Question: Is it bad manners to open the gift immediately after it
is received? True or false?
(4)
Eating etiquette
http://www.japan-zone.com/new/etiquette.shtml
http://japanfaq.cjb.net/
In Japan it is customary to wipe your hands before eating, his particularly
true in restaurant. Most restaurants, in Japan, provide a hot towel
for cleaning your hands before eating. This is considered to be
very civilized, and before eating, it is customary to say. “Itadaki-masu”
This can be translated as saying “Thank you for the meal”
Now during the meal chopsticks are used for eating; however one
may use a fork and spoon, if they do not know how to use chop sticks.
Most restaurants in Japan, particularly ones serving western food
provide these utensils, when requested. When using chopsticks to
eat never use them to point at anyone or anything. Another point
of etiquette when using chopsticks is not to stick them in rice;
this is only done at funerals. Chopsticks may be placed across the
plate. Some restraints provide smallholder just for the chops sticks.
Also the chop sticks are to be used only for eating. When serving
food to another never uses the end of the chop sticks that you ate
from, use the opposite ends. When eating it is not considered impolite
to make slurping sounds when eating noodles soup. When the meal
is completed it is customary to say, “Gochiso-sama deshita”,
this also means, “Thank you for the meal‚”
Below are some more eating hints:
- It is impolite to eat or drink something while walking down the
street...
- In restaurants or when visiting it's customary to get a small,
moist rolled-up towel (cold in summer, hot in winter) called an
"oshibori" to wipe their hands with. It's impolite to
wipe the face and neck with it though some do in less formal places.
.
- It's customary to say "Itadakimasu" before eating and
"Gochisosama deshita" after eating, especially if you're
being treated, as well as "Kanpai" for "Cheers".
- When sharing a dish, put what you take on your own plate before
eating it.
- Do not make excessive special requests in the preparation of your
food, nor wolf it down.
- Do not use your chopsticks to skewer food, move dishes around,
and NEVER dish out food to another using the same ends you just
ate from--use the top ends.
- Don't use your chopsticks to point at somebody.
- Don't leave your chopsticks standing up out of your food.
- It is normal in Japan to pick up your rice or miso soup bowl and
hold it under your chin to keep stuff from falling.
- Traditional Japanese food is served on several small plates, and
it's normal to alternate between dishes instead of fully eating
one dish after another.
- Don't leave a mess on your plate--fold your napkins neatly.
- Don't take wads of napkins, sugar packs, or steal "souvenirs"
when you leave a restaurant.
- Do not put soy sauce on your rice--it isn't meant for that.
- There is no real custom like "help your self". Wait
until the host offers something.
- If you act as host, you should anticipate your guest's needs (cream/sugar,
napkins, etc.).
- If you must use a toothpick, at least cover your mouth with your
other hand.
- Be aware that in Japan it is normal to make slurping sounds when
you're eating noodles.
- In Japan, it's good (in commercials, anyway) to make loud gulping
noises when drinking. Expect to hear lots of it in ads.
- It is normal to pay a restaurant or bar bill at the register instead
of giving money to the waiter/waitress. There is no tipping in Japan.
- It's considered rude to count your change after paying the bill
in a store or restaurant, but the Japanese themselves do give it
a cursory look over.
Question: Placing Chop sticks in a bowl of rice is done
1: To show you are finished eating
2: To indicate to your host you want a second serving
3: To show your host you thought the meal was delicious/ good
4: To show your host you thought the meal was not good
5: Is only done at funerals
(5)
Eating Manners - 2
URL: http://www.jref.com/culture/japanese_manners_etiquette.shtml
Japanese culture has always paid close attention to proper form,
and table manners are no exception in this regard. Perhaps first
among the small things one must remember when dining in Japan is
to never stick your chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice. This
is offensive because it resembles a Buddhist funerary ritual. It's
easy to see how this could bother your Japanese friends.
It is also customary to fill the glasses of those around you, but
not your own. Any empty glass should be filled. If you want to stop
drinking, leave your glass full, or your host will refill it.
Finally, noodles can and should be slurped in Japanese culture.
Further, plates should be brought up to the mouth to prevent spilling.
Both of these rules run contrary to western culture, but are perfectly
acceptable in Japan.
I found this information interesting because the rules for so simple
a thing as getting something to eat are so very different in Japan.
Question: You should not place your chopsticks vertically in rice
because it tell the host that the rice was terrible. True or False?
(6)
Public baths
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e638.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2074.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292_how.html
Long ago, when private bathtubs were not built into houses at Japan,
public baths (sento) were used in place to wash and also meet neighbors.
Overtime public baths decreased; however, a range of different pools,
saunas, fitness centers, etc. have emerged. From resorts to public
baths, bathing and relaxing at hot springs have become ever so popular.
Usually these bath complexes are separated into sections for men
and women. Moreover, there are certain customs to bathing, like
swimming without bathing suits! Oh no!
Japanese hot springs are "enjoyed naked." Customarily,
at a bath house, a person should take off all their clothes in the
changing room and place them into a basket with the bath towel.
Swim suits are not allowed in most places but it is custom to bring
a small towel into the bathing area for use out of the water. The
towel must be kept out of the water.
Before entering the bath, a person should rinse their body with
water from either a tap or washbowl provided. Rinsing is enough;
however, if excessively dirty, soap is necessary! Afterwards it
is ok to enter the bath but carefully, it may be too hot. Then,
after soak for awhile, a person should get out of the bath and wash
themselves with soap while sitting on a stool. Soap and shampoo's
are provided. It is common courtesy to keep the area clean and tidy.
Re-enter and soak some more. When the person is done, no more rinsing
is required for the minerals to have full effect.
This topic was interesting to me because I’ve always wanted
to bath in a hot spring but knew nothing about it. Now, I’ve
learned the right procedures to take before and during the bathing.
Question: What item should never be in the bath water?
A.) yourself B.) bathing suit C.) towel D.) minerals
(7)
Money etiquette
http://www.moveandstay.com/tokyo/guide_dos_and_donts.asp
http://www.artisandevelopers.com/web/tokyo/etiquette.htm
In Japan when you buy something and then receive money back it is
very rude to count it. One of the reasons it is rude is because
it makes you looks like you don’t trust the person giving
you back the money, it said on the website that the Japanese culture
prides itself on honesty. Another thing that I found interesting
is that credit cards are mostly accepted everywhere but if you want
to go to an ATM machine you have to be sure that your pin number
is only 4 digits.
This is very interesting to me because whenever i receive change
back i always count it to make sure i received the right amount.
It is not that i do not trust the merchant it is just there are
times when people miscount change. I also thought it was interesting
to find out that the ATM machines in Japan only take 4 digit pin
numbers.
Question: Why is it rude to count your change in Japan?
a. it is not rude to count your change in Japan
b. you don't have to count it because they personally count it for
you
c. it makes it look like you don't trust the merchant
d. none of the above
(8)
Titles
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2271.html
The Japanese commonly address each other by last name. Only close
friends and children are usually addressed by first name. In addition,
people rarely address each other just by name, but usually attach
an appropriate title to the name. There is a large number of such
titles depending on the gender and social position of the person
you are addressing.
? San: This is the most neutral and famous title, and can be used
in most situations. Only in formal situations, san may not be polite
enough.
? Sama: This is a more polite form of san, commonly used in formal
situations and letters, but too polite in a casual context.
? Kun: This is an informal title used for boys and men that are
younger than yourself.
? Chan: This is an informal title used for young children and very
close friends or family members.
? Sensei: This is a title used for teachers, doctors and other people
with a higher education and from whom you receive a service or instructions.
This information is very interesting to me because I always heard
these different tittles attached to different names and I never
really understood why. I only knew the meaning of the common tittles
sensei and san. However I do think that it is good to know this
information because an individual would never want to offend a Japanese
girl by attaching kun to the end of there because title kun is only
used for young boys.
Question: If you are talking to a girl named Sakura who is older
than you, it is appropriate to call her Sakura-Kun.
(9)
Business Etiquette
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-japan.html
When doing business in Japan, you suitability in respect to conducting
business will be assessed during a first meeting, so always maintain
a sense of professionalism. Bowing has become a custom integrated
into the Japanese society. It is used when meeting, showing gratitude,
etc. Although Western are not expected to bow, it is recommended
to show respect to their culture. Aside from the bowing, introduce
yourself with your full name followed by your company name. It is
important to use proper titles when addressing someone, so always
get a good clarification of their position. Gladly accept their
business, in return, always have a substantial business card for
yourself. The exchange of business card represents the exchange
of respect for one another. Use both hands, or just the right hand
during the exchange.
This information is interesting to me because I intend to do business
with Japanese firms one day. This information will be valuable when
the time is needed.
Question: Are Westerner expected to bow during a business meeting
or greeting?
(10)
Dirty shoes
http://www.geocities.com/japanfaq/FAQ-Manners.html
I think that most, if not all, of us know that Japanese people do
not wear their shoes throughout their house and that it is customary
to leave them at the entrances to their house. What you may not
know, is that it is considered polite for a host to turn a guest's
shoes around so it is easy for them to put them back on when they
leave. Maybe when it's time for them to leave, they are tired of
each other and they can get out quickly... well maybe not. It is
also customary not to wear your indoor slippers on the tatami mats.
Maybe it would make them wear out faster if they did... It is also
considered rude to wear socks with holes in them. I wouldn't want
to wear stained socks either... It also seems that Japanese people
wear specific slippers for each part of the house like bathroom
slippers and those slippers never leave the bathroom. Even if you
can only take two steps into the bathroom they would still switch
slippers going in and out of the bathroom.
This custom is very interesting to me and it definitely makes me
laugh. It makes sense that it is cleaner not to wear outdoor shoes
in the house, but different shoes for each room? I just don't get
it...
(11)
Business Etiquette
http://www.fkassociates.com/dodont.html
The information I found in my search dealt with some aspects of
business etiquette in Japan. For instance, should you ever find
yourself traveling to Japan for business, it is recommended that
you bring approximately 200 business cards (just to ensure a sufficient
supply). Handing someone a business card is also a very involved
process. Normally, we'd simply hand someone a card, but in Japan,
in order to be polite, you should hand an individual a business
card with both hands and with the name facing toward the receiver.
Also instead of simply taking it and placing it into a wallet or
pocket as we do here in the States, it is important that when to
take a business card that you receive it with both hands and take
a moment to look at it. Never place a business card into your back
pocket as it is seen to be extremely rude. Having the content on
your card translated into Japanese on the back is also seen as a
nice touch in facilitating communication.
Another business norm is the giving of gifts. It is customary for
visitors to present gifts for the business people you'd meet such
as "chocolates, stationery, fancy soaps, teas, or coffee, wallets,
scarves, or keepsake books from a U.S. locale or landmark."
Also, gifts for more prominent people such as high level executives
or officials should be more expensive from about $25-50 with the
more expensive gift going to the highest level executive. Also,
avoid all white wrapping paper. It represents death, so stick to
seasonal colors. The presentation of a gift should be modest and
polite, and when receiving a gift, hesitate to open the gift until
invited to do so. Don't tear open the gift either.
I found this information interesting because it isn't really as
significant here in the
States. There really is no proper etiquitte in receiving or giving
business cards like in
Japan. Furthermore, I hope one day to be a big corporate tycoon,
so this info will be great for me to know if I ever make it into
big business.
Questions: It is best to wrap a business gift in all-white wrapping
paper?
a)Yes, it symbolizes hope and good intentions for conducting business.
b)Yes, it allows the receiver to draw and color on the blank paper
for fun!
c)No, all-white wrapping paper represents death in the Japanese
culture.
d)No, all-white wrapping paper is just too dull!
(12)
Japanese blood type superstition
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/5976/blood.htm
A common superstition in Japan is that blood type is an indicator
of a person's personality; similar to the Western belief in the
Signs of the Zodiac (the Zodiac custom is also popular in Japan).
If you don't already know the blood types of the Sailor Scouts,
read the descriptions below and see if you can guess what blood
type each of the main characters has!
This custom is said to have started in 1916 when some doctors in
Japan made a medical report stating that people with Type A Blood
were generally mild-tempered and intellectual, while people with
Type B Blood were just the opposite. Today in Japan, blood type
is popularly used as a personality-type indicator. Even though it
hasn't been proven to have any scientific basis, many Japanese people
believe in these distinctions to one degree or another.
Type A
Speaking broadly, it is said that people with Type A Blood are calm,
composed, and very level-headed and serious. They have a firm character,
and are reliable and trustworthy (and hardheaded). They think things
over and make plans deliberately, and they plug away at things steadily
and assiduously. They try to make themselves more like their own
ideal of what they should be. A Type may look aloof or distant to
others. They try to suppress their own emotions, and because they
have continual practice in doing this, this makes them appear strong.
But, actually, they have a fragile, nervous side, as well. They
tend to be hard on people who are not of the same type, and so they
consequently tend to be surrounded with people of the same temperament.
Type B
People with Type B Blood are curious about and interested in everything.
That's may be good, but they also tend to have too many interests
and hobbies, and they tend to get all excited about something suddenly
and then later drop it again just as quickly. But they do manage
to know which of their many interests or loved ones are the ones
that are really important, the ones they should hold on to. B Types
tend to excel in things rather than just be average. But they tend
to be so involved in their own world or become so carried away with
something that they neglect other things. They have the image of
being bright and cheerful, full of energy and enthusiasm, but some
people think that they are really quite different on the inside.
And it can also be said about them that they don't really want to
have much real contact with others.
Type O
Type O Blood people are said to set the mood for a group and to
take on the role of creating harmony among its members. Their image
is one of taking it easy, of being peaceful and carefree. They are
also thought to be big-hearted and benevolent, and they tend to
spend money on others generously. O Types are generally "loved
by all." But, they also, surprisingly, have a stubborn and
strong-willed side, as well, and tend to secretly have their own
opinions on things. On the other hand, they have the flexible, adaptable
side of readily accepting new things. They are easily influenced
by other people or by what they see on TV. They seem to appear level-headed
and trustworthy, but they often slip and make big blunders inadvertently.
But that is also the point that makes O Types lovable.
Type AB
People with Type AB Blood are said to have a delicate sensitivity.
They are considerate of other people's feelings and deal with them
with care and caution. On the other hand, though, they are strict
with themselves and those close to them. They, therefore, seem to
have two personalities: one for those "outside," and another
for people on the "inside." They often become sentimental,
and they tend to think too deeply about things. AB
Types have a lot of friends, but they need time to be alone and
think things through, as well.
Blood Type A is the most common Japanese blood type. In America,
Blood Type O is by far the most prevalent. In Japan, schools carry
out thorough physical exams, and so the majority of Japanese people
find out their own blood types from the results of these exams.
Many Japanese are amazed to learn that a large number of Americans
don't know their own blood types. "What's your blood type?"
is a question heard much more frequently in Japan than, say, "What's
your zodiac sign?" is heard in America. It is sometimes even
used in casual self-introductions in informal situations.
I absolutely loved this article! It described my personality quite
well, but of course every description has a good amount of room
for interpretation. Regardless of whether it is accurate or not,
it is definitely interesting!
Question: A common superstition in Japan is that blood type is an
indicator of a person's personality.
(13)
Eye Contact and Facial Expression Don'ts
http://ilc2.doshisha.ac.jp/users/kkitao/library/student/textbook/ikubundo/nonverb.htm
Americans maintain eye contact more than Japanese do. Generally
speaking, Japanese people tend to look down because it is a sign
of respect. Americans may interpret this as a sign of deceit. This
may cause problems since Americans might think that the Japanese
person is hiding something or lying, while the Japanese person is
trying to show respect.
Facial expressions are used for the same emotions in every culture.
It's a way to communicate non-verbally. Different cultures have
different rules about the meaning of each expression. It said that
Japanese people do not show their emotions, especially negative
emotions, as much as Americans do. A study was conducted that demonstrated
this difference, the researchers had Japanese and American students
watch an unpleasant film. When the students were alone watching
the film, their facial expressions were similar. However the Americans
had shown more emotions than the Japanese did.
This is interesting to me because it gives me a better understanding.
Question: Not making eye contact in Japan is a sign of respect?
(14)
Giving gifts in Japan
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2004.html
The times known for Japanese people to give gifts to their relatives,friends,
and co-workers are in December before New Year( gifts given on that
occasions are called Oseibo) and in June before Obon, also known
as the Festival of the Dead (gifts are called Ochugen). The gifts
can consist of food, wine, household stuff or other things. Company
workers usually receive bonuses on those occasions.
Gifts are also given in order to thank somebody (called Temiyage),
for example for an invitation, and they usually consist of cake,
sweets, or sake. Also, when somebody returns from a trip, they are
supposed to bring back souvenirs, which are called Omiyage.
It is not a part of Japanese tradition to give gifts for birthday
or especially Christmas. Due to strong influence of the West, some
people exchange gifts on these occasions, but those people are still
made up of
a small percent of Japanese people.
I found it interesting because after I read the article I remembered
that my Japanese friends never used to make a big deal out of Christmas
and they always received gifts from their parents for New Year.
It is
the opposite of the Western culture. Also, unlike Western cultures,
they give and receive gifts in the summertime, before Obon.
Question: It is a part of old Japanese tradition to give and receive
gifts during
Christmas, and the gifts are called Oboyage.
(15)
Japense Superstition
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2209.html
In Japan people have much respect for older people in general and
parents and older family members in particular. I found two interesting
customs that have to do with this respect for one's parents. One
is that you should hide your thumb when you see a hearse pass by
in the street. This is because the thumb is the "parent finger,”
so by hiding it you are protecting your parents. Another is to don't
cut your nails at night. The superstition is that you will not be
able to be at your parents' funeral if you do that. I could not
find out why cutting your nails is connected to one's parents funeral,
but at least some Japanese seem to believe in that.
I thought this was interesting because I think a big cultural difference
between America and Europe and Japan is that in Japan there are
much more fixed superstitions and rules how to prevent something
bad from happening than in the Western countries. Young Japanese
might not necessarily hold on to all superstitions and customs,
but they know them and are aware of their meaning.
Question: What do Japanese people do when they see a hearse?
a) Scream loudly b) Close their eyes c) Hide their thumb d) Bow
(16)
Japanese Superstitions - 2
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2209.html
http://www.kyokoskitchen.com/essays/superstitions.php?lang=en
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/1846/jsuper.html
Everyone is familiar with superstitions, or things we tend to avoid
doing in our daily lives for fear that they'll bring bad luck. Some
of the more common ones in America include such ridiculous nonsense
like opening umbrellas inside, walking under ladders, breaking mirrors,
etc... Japan too has their own set of superstitions, and I wanted
to find out what are some of the indigenously weird and unusual
habits the Japanese have in regards to bad luck. A lot of them are
linked to funeral rites or death, others are things in daily life
that you just plain don't do.
These are some of the prevailing, paranoid superstitions of the
Japanese people. Remember, if you dare to do these things, at least
in Japan, YOU WILL GET BAD LUCK!!! You have been warned...
Numbers "4" and "9”
The numbers "4" and "9" are considered unlucky
numbers in Japan much the same way that the number "13"
is in Western culture. In Japanese the number four can be pronounced
as "shi", which also means "death". The number
nine when pronounced as "ku" pertains to "pain".
Therefore it is not wise to make things consisting of four or nine
pieces like gifts or dinner sets(5-piece dinner sets!). You will
likely not find office buildings, hotels, and hospitals with 4th
and 9th rooms or floors(if you do, avoid 'em!). Other numbers to
avoid are "42"(shini - to die), "43"(shizan
- still birth), and "24"(nishi - double death).
Chopsticks
NEVER put your chopsticks into a bowl of rice sticking straight
up vertically, as this is what is done at the time of death and
placed atop the altar of a Buddhist funeral ritual. Also during
funerals, the cremated bones of the deceased are passed from chopstick
to chopstick by the family members. It is generally not a good idea
to do this with food.
Sleeping
When preparing for bed, it is a good idea to lay out your futon
mat and pillow so that they are not pointing north. North is the
direction dead bodies are laid out at a Buddhist funeral. Many would
consider superstitions to be quite foolish or funny, but these ones
concerning funerals and death are taken very seriously.
Animals
Instead of fearing black cats, badgers are considered evil. Cats
are actually supposed to be the temporary resting place of spiritually
aware people while badgers wear a mask (across their eyes) to hide
themselves and play mischievous tricks on people.
Other Bizarre Stuff
Other weird miscellaneous Japanese superstitions include:
- Breaking a comb, strap of gata, zori, or wooden shoe.
- Clip your toenails during the day. If done at night, you won't
be with your parents when they die.
- If you are the middle person in a picture with two others in it,
you will soon die or suffer a hard tragedy.
- You should always throw salt where a beggar has just been. Avoid
badgers whenever possible, because they are evil and mischievous.
- If the first person you meet on any given day is a woman, you
will have good luck. If it is a Buddhist priest, be prepared for
a bad day.
- A good omen is getting a bird dropping on your head.
- Do not talk to people while they are sleeping.
- At the first sight of a funeral car you should hide your thumbs.
Both thumbs represent your parents and in hiding them you are protecting
them from death.
- If you whistle at night, snakes will appear.
- When you buy a new pair of shoes, you must wear them for the first
time in the morning.
- If you lie down immediately after eating, you will become a cow.
- Many people in Japan cover their bedroom mirrors at night for
fear that a woman from another world will come through and take
them away forever.
So there you have it, the uniquely paranoid delusional compulsions
of Japan. I enjoyed researching about Japanese superstitions as
i found them to be interesting, insightful, many humorous, a few
frightening, and just plain overall.........................weird.
@_@
Question: Sometimes people in Japan will cover their bedroom mirrors
at night because they fear a woman from another world will come
through the mirror and kidnap them in their sleep.
(17)
Cell Phone etiquette
http://web-japan.org/trends00/honbun/tj000704.html
http://www.culturalsavvy.com/did_you_know_archives_2.htm
The Japanese use of cell phones became widespread around 1994, with
a surge in usage around 1999 with i-mode (Japanese internet on cell
phones). As more and more people started using cellular phones,
more and more people started to talk louder and louder, especially
in the bullet trains and subways. The transportation stations received
complaints and signs about phone use became stricter. Instead of
'please respect other passengers' it became "please turn your
phone off." Not everyone follows the rules though.
A new "phrase" came about, manner mode. Manner mode means
to set your cell phone to vibrate or turn it of completely.
The information is interesting because we have the same problem
in the United States. People do not turn their cell phones off,
in church or in the movies, in restaurants and such. There is so
much noise pollution now. I thought we should adopt "manner
mode" in the US.
Question: What does manner mode mean?
a. turn off your cell phone
b. set your phone to vibrate
c. set your phone to the highest volume
d. Choice A and B
e. None of the Above
(18)
Physical privacy
http://www.fulbright.jp/e5/ayjcont5.html
Americans frequently comment on the different sense of privacy,
both physical and psychological, between Japanese and Americans.
Physically, the Japanese are accustomed to living in smaller spaces
so that one room not only serves many functions but several people
must share the same space. Thus, in the home it is only recently
where children in upper middle class families have begun to have
their own bedrooms. A typical Japanese office will consist of a
large open area with perhaps one or two private conference rooms
in the rear. Desks are aligned in a row, face-to-face.
Americans are often taken aback by what they consider to be very
private and personal questions ("Do you have a boyfriend?",
"Why aren't you married?", "How old are you?")
They should realize that these are questions that are often asked
of each other by the Japanese in television and newspaper interviews
and are not regarded as prying, nosy questions! In a society where
human relationships are so important, these are attempts to build
intimacy across vertical social structures.
Sometimes, these are the only English phrases that a Japanese person
may know and may be an attempt to make "small talk". A
good way to defer answering is to return the question to the questioner,
or reply in a joking manner. Always smile!
I found this interesting because I thought the stereo type for the
Japanese was to be very reserved and quiet, but that isn’t
the case. Some things I’ve learned in this class have opened
my eyes to the fact that it isn’t that the people are reserved
and quiet it is just that they are different. They are outgoing
in different ways then we are. Our definition of outgoing or reserved
is different from their definition.
Question: What personal question might an American be asked in Japan?
a) Do you have a dog?
b) Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
c) Who is your favorite ninja turtle?
|
