Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Kablooie

(19,115 posts)
5. A couple more things that confuse Americans ...
Wed Jul 25, 2012, 12:18 PM
Jul 2012

When you talk to Japanese they will often answer, "yes", ("hai&quot
In English that usually means they agree with you.
In Japanese it usually means, I am listening to you but doesn't imply that they agree with you.

Also Japanese sometimes giggle at Americans.
Americans see this as rude because they are laughing at you.
In Japanese culture it often means they are embarrassed, not that they find you funny.

There are many other subtle differences it the way the two cultures express themselves that can create miscommunication.

If you ever have dealings with Japanese businesses it is worth while to read up on some of these differences so you can understand each other better.

It can make all the difference between success and failure.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I see all the female Asian tourists do it RandySF Jul 2012 #1
"gang signs" AsahinaKimi Jul 2012 #2
I'm not. RandySF Jul 2012 #3
they are not AsahinaKimi Jul 2012 #4
A couple more things that confuse Americans ... Kablooie Jul 2012 #5
Eating KFC for X-Mas trips me out miyazaki Jul 2012 #6
Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Asian Group»Some Japanese customs tha...»Reply #5