Vanessa Nicole Zepeda Leal

My name is Vanessa, and I am 19 years old. I was born in Montreal from immigrant parents (my mother is from Nicaragua and my father is from El Salvador). I learned English by watching TV in that language since my childhood and learned French at school. I am currently taking Italian 4 as my major. As for my minor, I took Chinese levels 1 and 2.

I first discovered an interest in learning languages when I was about 14 years old. I wanted to learn a fourth language, and so, I found on YouTube “How to introduce yourself in Japanese in 5 minutes” by Japanese Pod 101. I was captivated. Then, I wanted to learn more languages and installed language-learning app on my phone to learn Italian, German and Chinese. I also rent a book on how to speak Russian at my secondary library school. As you can see, I was very excited to learn languages, but I realized that it would be better for me if I focused on learning a language at a time. For this reason, I decided to study languages at Cegep.

Topic Ideas

Here are some topics that I find interesting :

Chinese language variations ( similarities and differences of Chinese languages / dialects)
How the language we use impacts our image
Language in a context of age group
Japanese language variations, evolution,...
Japanese Indirect Communication

Topic Selection:

After searching for information about these topics, I finally decided to do my project on Japanese indirect communication. Also, I would like to compare the Japanese indirect communication with the Western communication since this one is more direct than the Japanese speech.

Japanese and Western

Communication Styles

Thesis and Topic Sentences

Thesis:

Being able to communicate effectively and explicitly in the foreigner’s language without learning his or her culture may potentially cause the listener to misunderstand what the speaker is saying.

Topic Sentences:

1) In most Asian countries, indirect communication is the appropriate way of transmitting verbally a message because they rely highly on context, thus they are considered as high-context cultures.

2) In many Western countries, direct communication is preferred because of the varieties of ethnicity within the country and because of the desire of the people to express freely.

3) Both direct and indirect communication have positive and negative consequences in intercommunication.

Japanese Culture and Japanese Language

-A comparative Study on Communication Between Japanese and Non-Japanese -

Fengping,Gao. "Japanese Culture and Japanese Language: A Comparative Study on Communication Between Japanese and Non-Japanese". The Journal of Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies, 2004, pp.147-163.

This is a scholarly article written by Gao Fengping.

Culture differences can interfere in communication because both speakers expect that what the other will say respects their social norms. Fengping mentions that “Asian and Western cultures have the greatest chance of misunderstanding each other,” particularly Japan and the United States because they have opposite style of communicating.

Communication Values in the West:

Rhetoric
logic
talkativeness

rationality
objectivity
rigid principles
universality

Communication Values in Japan:

reticence (shyness)
sentiment
silence
ambivalence
emotions
subjectivity
situational logic
particularity ( distinctiveness)

Japan’s History

Japan was isolated from other countries until 1853. This isolation influenced the population’s way of thinking and thus, the society developed a “communication without language” where people could understand themselves with few words.

The quotes "least said, soonest mended" and "out of the mouth comes evil" are fundamental statements in Japan.

Verbal Communication

Japan values harmony within the society, group, and family. They like to work as a group rather than as individuals that is common in Western culture. Japan’s value for collectivism makes uncommon among Japanese to change their workplace or schools. Consequently, by staying in the same for many years, Japanese get to know each other remarkably well (Fengping 150).

Given that Japan values harmonic interpersonal interactions, they observe the other person’s feelings and take time to formulate what they have to opine based on his or her feelings. Additionally, if what they have to opine may cause disagreements in the group, they would rather keep it for themselves. The nail that sticks up is hit is a popular saying in Japan that reminds them the hurt when someone fails to fit into the community. Also, this saying reminds them of “their belief of egocentricity and their wish to avoid being singled out” either for praise or blame (Fengping 151). Communication in Japan is a means to agreement, and thus more intuitive, emotional and adaptive (Fengping 154).

The Use of Silence

Japanese appreciate communication that is elegant, sophisticated and efficient without using too many words. That is why their communication style relies on: silence, indirect expressions, intuitive understanding, use of euphemisms, nonverbal language, and gestures.

The capability to use this form of communication is crucial in Japan because “the speaker must be sure that the words chosen are appropriately respectful to the subject or the listener” (Fengping 152). Otherwise, Japanese may offend someone who may be of a social status higher than them which is what they want to avoid. Gestures and euphemisms are often used in Japan because they allow not to say things too directly, and thus, they are considered socially safer. Saying things too directly in Japan may lead to misunderstandings or offend the person. That is why Japanese relies on nonverbal communication forms, for they “lack the nuances and overtones of direct verbal references” (Fengping 152).

Silence in communication is very important in a high-context environment. High- context means that speakers do not have to reveal the meaning of every detail of the message because most of the information is present in the context in which they are sensitive.

Silence can convey agreement, apathy, awe, confusion, contemplation, sadness, thoughtfulness, and many more. Japanese perceive silence as a means to express much more that what is said. The country views talkativeness to immaturity or foolishness. In addition, remaining silent can show respect for the person who talked or expressed ideas.

Contrast Between Japanese and Western's Communication Styles

Westerners

Since its population is more diverse than Japan, so Westerners rely more on talking
Westerners are not as comfortable with silence as the Japanese are. Westerners consider silence as rude. Also, they perceive silence to negative context such as tension, hostility, awkwardness, or shyness. They view that the “constant flow of words” (Fengping 157) means to be sociable. In a low-context communication “if something has not been put into words it has not been communicated, and that if someone has something to say, he should say it “(Fengping 157).
The West prefers a communication style that is more linear: lines of argument, lines or reasoning.
Being direct is acceptable

Japanese

Homogenous society. Japanese do not need to explain or give details, so their message can be explicit
Use of silence
Japanese prefers a curve style of communication: circumlocutions, “go around something” instead of “straight to the point”.
Being too direct in Japan can mean that the speaker is insensitive to the listener’s feelings and to use inadequately aesthetic subtlety.

A Comparative Study of Communication Style in Japan and the United States

Huruse,Noriko."A Comparative Study of Communication Style in Japan and the United States as Revealed Through Content Analysis of Television Commercials". Dissertations and Theses, July 6, 1978, pp.10 - 34.

This source explains the differences between Japanese and the American communication styles.

Huruse explains how the Japanese communication came to be; Japan was isolated until 1853 which contributed to a homogenous country. During that period, the society shared beliefs, values, attitudes and lifestyles that shaped the Japanese communication style. Religion, specifically Buddhism, also influenced Japanese communication form. This religion valued silence in communication and the expression of ideas and feelings nonverbally. Huruse mentions that the Japanese demanded "social harmony and conformity with nature and among themselves" because of the location of Japan with its high population. That is why harmony and silence became important elements in Japanese communication style. Moreover, the author mentions some values in Japanese communication : empathy , interdependence in interpersonal communication. This latter means to create a relationship between the speaker and the listerner such as friendship. Japanese communication form lacks of verbal rhetoric, a language to persuade people.

The author compares the United States' communication style with Japan communication styles specifically regarding political debates. He states that in the U.S., language is higlhy important because "it is an instrument of debate or argumentation". For instance, he explains that:

"political speeches are used to persuade through an appeal to information, reason, and emotions. Americans constantly analyze the speeches given by the president and other important figures. It can safely be said that a person has a better chance of being elected to public office in the United States if he is a good speaker." (15)

In the contrast, Japan does not view what has been said in public as highly important as the United States does. For, the speaker is holding his opinions to not offend anyone. Additionally, Japanese are reluctant to debate or argue since expressing something for persuading is generally regarded disrespectful.

Japanese vs. Western Communication Styles

Jonathan. "Japanese vs. Western Communication Styles". YouTube, uploaded by Jonapan, 14 January 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-iLGjdqP5Y.

2:30 - 11:30

In this video, the person shares his experience communicating in Japan and contrasting it with how he communicates while living in Canada. He explains that in Japan, there is a social convention where everyone knows, or assumes, what the speaker is saying based on context. In contrast, in the West, we tend to explain more , or give more details, to make that the listerners are understanding us because we do not depend as much as Japanese does on context.

Difficulties of Communicating with Japanese People - Nobita from Japan

In this video, Nobita asks foreigners living in Japan about their frustrations in communicating with Japanese. Many of the guests mention that Japanese are reserved and do not want to show their feelings which makes it harder for foreigners to understand their message. An American gives an anecdote where his roommate forgot to throw out the trash, so his Japanese roommate said that the room “smelled a little funny,” to remind him to throw out the trash, but he did not understand. Moreover, the Japanese guest specifies that in their culture, saying straightly "no" is considered rude. So to refuse something, Japanese will say something vague.

In Western countries, we tend to jump into conversation while in Japan , people wait that the talker finishes what he has to say before jumping into the conversation.

Uki Uki Chat! - Nonverbal Communication - Japan Society NYC

This video is about the Japanese language and the culture. The host invites Aya, Kamimura and Owen to share their experiences and perspectives of the country. Owen shares that in Japan, people communicate in a very subtle manner to express their thoughts and opinions. This confused Owen at first because he was expecting that Japanese would express themselves explicitly as we do here in a Western society. Japanese might not use harsh words when they express their displeasure, but they will express it by emphasizing nonverbal communication. In Japan, people do not explain the reason for the refusal; they will mainly decline the invitation without stating “no” explicitly.

The Lewis Model – Dimensions of Behaviour

Cuco_Admin. The Lewis Dimension - Dimensions of Behaviour. Cross Culture, 22 June 2015.www.crossculture.com/the-lewis-model-dimensions-of-behaviour/?cn-reloaded=1&cn-reloaded=1

This website describes many characteristics of communication style from many countries using the Lewis Model.

The first image is a chart that describes the characteristics of communication depending of the group (Linear-active, Multi-active, and Reactive).

The second chart shows countries placed depending how much they relate to the groups : Linear-active, Multi-active and Reactive.

For example, countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg are considered mostly linear-active.

Direct vs Indirect Communication

Direct Communication vs Indirect Communication.Watershed Associates. www.watershedassociates.com/learning-center-item/direct-communication-vs-indirect-communication.html

This website has a short description of direct and indirect communication styles. Also, it has a few suggestions for both communication styles to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts between people from indirect and direct cultures.

In countries where direct communication is used such as Canada, the United States, Australia and Germany, straightforwardness and efficiency are more valued than personal sensitivities in communication. For example, saying “No” or “I don’t know” are both viewed polite and sincere; plus they avoid misunderstanding.

In contrast, countries that use indirect communication such as India, China, Saudi Arab and Japan, they prefer to avoid conversation that could potentially make them say something negative or too frankly. If they are in disagreements, they will prefer to solve them cautiously, and they may invent a story to remain diplomatic.

Swiss-raised Japanese woman points out fundamental difference in Japanese, western communication

Baseel, Casey. Swiss-raised Japanese Woman Points Out Fundamental Difference in Japanese, Western Communication. Sora News 24, December 5, 2018.www.soranews24.com/2018/12/05/swiss-raised-japanese-woman-points-out-fundamental-difference-in-japanese-western-communication/

This is a Japanese News Website in which the articles are published in English.

Mia Daya is a Japanese raised in Switzerland who moves back to Japan at the age of 20. She shares her difficulties understanding Japanese colleagues despite that Japanese is her mother tongue and that she has been living there for 10 years already. She notices that debating in Japan is not the same as in Switzerland where people value individual differences. In Japan, it is considered impolite to question someone's opinion because there is a social convention that encourages Japanese to think the same way :

“ I was raised in Switzerland, and when I get into discussions with people raised in Japan, there’s a fundamental difference in how we debate. In the west, there’s the preexisting shared notion that ‘People are all different, so it’s absolutely essential to confirm your impressions and ask questions. Making assumptions is impolite.’ But in Japan, the attitude is ‘Everyone feels this way, so it’s normal. If you have to double-check about everything, it’s proof that you don’t trust the person!’” - Mia Daya

Since Japan is a relatively homogenous society (Japan remained isolated until 1853 from the rest of the world), people in general share the same view of the world. So, when they are talking to someone, they expect the listener to understand them with the few words they use, or with their indirect expressions. In this quotation, Daya shares how Japanese tend to react when they were not understood by the listener:

The Impact of Direct and Indirect Communication

MLA Citation:Joyce, Cynthia. "The Impact of Direct and Indirect Communication". The Newsletter of the International Ombudsman Association, ed. Independent Voice, November 2012, pp. 1-3.

This source is written by Cynthia Joyce. She is an ombudsperson (a mediator to resolve conflicts) at the University of Iowa. She explains in her article why there are many misunderstandings between people from different cultures. The cause is that these people from different backgrounds are not aware of the differences communication style they have. So, by informing them of these differences, then the risks of misunderstandings decrease.

This table describes how each speech type prefers to convey the message. - I will use this information for describing the differences between this two communication styles.

13 April 2021

Reflection Questions:

1. What have you learned so far from the reading/research that you have done?

I have learned that learning a language also means to learn how the people communicate and transmit a message. Acquiring new vocabulary is not enough to understand the subtilities of a message. For example, if someone decides to visit a foreign country knowing how to speak the language but not knowing the way of communicating, this person may experience many misunderstandings. Every country has a preference of method to transmit the message. Some countries prefer to use direct speech and other indirect speech. The history of these countries greatly influences what type of communication the nation prefers to use. In Japan, indirect communication is preferred among the community because it reflects the population’s values and history. Parallelly in Western countries, direct communication reflects the people’s values. For, in direct communication, people can express what they think because it is socially accepted and because the people long to express themselves openly.

2. How far have you come with your work?

I still need to complete my academic sources on my blog. I already have my academic sources, but I need to write what I have found on my blog posts. Then, I will have to reorganize my posts, so my blog can more readable and friendly user. I am near completing my blog posts.

3. Does it meet the requirements that are described in the course outline?

Currently my blog has two academic sources, and nine non-academic sources. Which means that I must include on my blog at least three more academic sources and then I will have twelve sources in total. I also have to summarize my posts because they are too long. Otherwise, my posts will be difficult to read.

4. Have you consistently added new material and improved your blog?

I have not been consistently adding new material on my blog, nor have I been improving it.

Understanding the Merits and Demerits of High and Low Context

Ryan, Stephen B. "Understanding hte Merits and Demerits of High and Low Context Oriented Communication Cultures in Intercultural Business Conflict: The Case of Fukushima and Japanese Communication Schema." Yamagata University, vol. 17 , no. 3, February 2012, pp. 36-45.

This academic source provides useful information about some characteristics of direct and indirect communication style. It also informs about how people from these two type of communication view each other.

Aspects that cultures prefer to use in communication:

o Individualism – Communitarianism

o Specificity – Diffuseness

o High – Low Context

High Context Culture

In this case, Japan’s communication style is oriented toward communitarianism, diffuseness and highly dependent on context. The speaker will transmit the message differently depending on the context. This allows the speaker to limit explicitly transmitting the message since the listener can understand the speaker thanks to the context. Additionally, since Japan values harmony in relationships, in situation where someone may be humiliated, the speaker would withdraw from the group and consider which decision to make, so it may reduce negative impact that could affect the others of the group as well as their relationship. In contrast to low context cultures, Japan tolerates more communication ambiguities because the listener is expected to “fill-in the blanks” of the speaker.

Low Context Culture

In low context culture, the proverb “the squeaky wheel always gets the grease” represent the culture’s value of transmitting a message. Hence, if the person does not entirely share inner thoughts by communicating, then this person may lose advantage. Regardless of the context, the listener prefers to focus on what is being directly transmitted, so it can be easier to “predict listener’s behaviour in direct communication”. Moreover, because low context cultures tend to have many people from different backgrounds, directly expressing the message avoids potential misunderstandings between individuals.

Critics

Japanese tend to view communicators from low context culture as immature, impatient and insensitive. Westerners, because of the preferred communication style, speak more, so the message can be explicitly transmitted. Japanese perceive speaking more as immature, which is why in their culture, limiting the words and emphasizing on silence is a preferred way of communicating. Additionally, since Westerners tend to share their message explicitly, Japanese view this as being insensitive because they want to keep a harmonious relationship.

On the other hand, low context speakers tend to perceive Japanese as insincere and untrustworthy because Japanese values a communication that is more ambiguous. Also, Japanese value silence in communication which leads to low context speakers to think that Japanese may be hiding something or whatsoever.

Demerits of High Context - Low Context Orientation

This table presents the inconveniences of direct and indirect communication styles.

Merits of High Context - Low Context Orientation

This table presents the advantages of direct and indirect communication styles.

Understanding Different Cultural Patterns or Orientations Between East and West

Qingxue, Liu. "Understanding Different Cultural Patterns or Orientations Between East and West." Investigationes Linguisticae, vol.9 , April 2003, pp. 21 - 28.

This academic source provides information about differences between direct and indirect communication styles and is useful for understanding each communication style preferred technique of giving messages.

As I have mentioned it before, Westerners prefers that the message is explicit and clear instead of it being vague. Whenever they feel that they do not fully understand the message shared, they will not shy away to ask questions, so they can understand the message. In contrast, Japanese may feel uncomfortable and irritated if someone ask too many questions or insist on giving more details. Japanese see silence as a better way to convey a message and believe that if someone uses too many words to share the message, then it means that this person does not have the information. In situation of conflict, Japanese tend to not openly express their disagreements and prefers to resolve the problem by being discreet and subtly as much as possible. Additionally, in conversation, Japanese look for the meaning in what is not said such as in nonverbal communication, body language, silences, pauses, relationships and empathy. Meanwhile, Westerners prioritize to share and receive authentic messages transparently through verbal communication.

High-Context and Low-Context Communication

Nam, Kyoung - Ah. "High-Context and Low-Context Communication". SAGE Publications, 2015, pp.377-381.

This academic source shares characteristics about each of the communication styles used in Japan and in Westerner countries.

Japanese Communication Style

Japan values the capability of reading between the lines since it means that this person can understand the speaker’s true intention without making the speaker to verbally utter. Moreover, when Japanese nods, this does not necessarily mean that they agree with what the speaker is saying but rather a sign that they are listening to the speaker. During disagreements, Japanese tend to say "we will think about it" , "it might be a little difficult" or "we will do our best" instead of explicitly stating no. They can also say nothing and remain silent to express their refusal.

Western Communication Style

Assumption in Western culture is not highly valued among the population. Since this culture values individuality, each person has a right to have different opinions about something as long as this person can support them with facts and good arguments. In contrast, Japan tolerates more assumption because the population shares a same background (history, values, point of view of the world) which leads them to perceive, in general, a topic the same way.

This table gives description and examples of how someone from low or high context culture could transmit the message oraly.

Works Cited

Baseel, Casey. Swiss-raised Japanese Woman Points Out Fundamental Difference in Japanese, Western Communication. Sora News 24, December 5, 2018. www.soranews24.com/2018/12/05/swiss-raised-japanese-woman-points-out-fundamental-difference-in-japanese-western-communication/

Cuco_Admin. The Lewis Dimension - Dimensions of Behaviour. Cross Culture, 22 June 2015.

www.crossculture.com/the-lewis-model-dimensions-of-behaviour/?cn-reloaded=1&cn-reloaded=1

Direct Communication vs Indirect Communication.Watershed Associates. www.watershedassociates.com/learning-center-item/direct-communication-vs-indirect-communication.html

"Difficulties of Communicating with Japanese People". YouTube, uploaded by Nobita from Japan, 11 April 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjJW6Iq5QHE.

Fenngping,Gao. "Japanese Culture and Japanese Language: A Comparative Study on Communication Between Japanese and Non-Japanese". The Journal of Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies, 2004, pp.147-163.

Jonathan. "Japanese vs. Western Communication Styles". YouTube, uploaded by Jonapan, 14 January 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-iLGjdqP5Y.

Joyce, Cynthia. "The Impact of Direct and Indirect Communication". The Newsletter of the International Ombudsman Association, ed. Independent Voice, November 2012, pp. 1-3.

Nam, Kyoung - Ah. "High-Context and Low-Context Communication". SAGE Publications, 2015, pp.377-381.

"Uki Uki Chat - Nonverbal Communication". YouTube, uploaded byJapanSocietyNYC, 13 March 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSr0bVGGfrE.

Qingxue, Liu. "Understanding Different Cultural Patterns or Orientations Between East and West." Investigationes Linguisticae, vol.9 , April 2003, pp. 21 - 28.

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