Tutor HuntResources Japanese Resources

Japanese Language And Culture.

Some interesting points on Japanese language and culture.

Date : 10/03/2013

Author Information

Craig

Uploaded by : Craig
Uploaded on : 10/03/2013
Subject : Japanese

When meeting people in Japan, you must show the proper amount of respect to the other person based on their status relative to yours. Wait to be introduced because it can be considered quite impolite to introduce yourself, even at large gatherings.

Bowing is a polite form of greeting someone. The back should be held straight when bowing. The depth of the bow reflects your relationship with the other person. A junior person bows deeply to someone of higher status and should always bow first.

Business cards(meishi) are extremely important. They change hands with great frequency and are viewed as a person`s public face. Therefore, you should keep your cards in impeccable condition. If the meeting is among a group, the senior businesspeople exchange cards first. Present your card aby holding it with two hands, fingers holding the top corners, and bowing slightly. When you accept a card, use two hands with fingers grasping the bottom corners. It is important to examine every card you get very carefully to show respect. Never write on a card you are given because this is considered an insult. Place cards on the table in front of you at a meeting, ordered the way others are seated around the table.

It would be best to remember the following while in Japan: Do not blow your nose in public. If you must blow your nose, turn your back and use a tissue rather than a handkerchief. Do not point with the forefinger and never point at a person. Use the entire open hand instead. Do not speak with your hands in your pockets. Do not sit so that the soles of your shoes are visible.

A few other general tips on communication with the Japanese: When they are listening carefully, the Japanese may close their eyes. It is their way of blocking out everything but what they are listening to. Many Japanese indicate that they are in deep thought by folding their arms. It is considered disrespectful to stare into another person`s eyes, particularly someone who is senior to you. Ask a question several ways to be certain it was understood. Most Japanese believe they lose face if they ask for clarification, so they will answer, even if they are not certain what the question was. Allow the Japanese to finish their ideas. Do not interrupt them when they are explaining something to you. Show the person that you are listening to them by occasionally nodding your head or repeating "hai". Many Japanese pause after a question. They may consider the question and frame a reply. Remember that the word "yes" means that I have heard you it does not necessarily indicate agreement. The Japanese are as concerned with the effect of their words on others. They are careful to avoid saying anything directly that would hurt or offend a colleague. Always taking care not to cause the other person to lose face. To help you communicate with the Japanese from the very beginning, here are a few basic phrases:

.Yes - Hai .No - Iie .Excuse me - Sumimasen .Hello - Konnichiwa .Good morning - Ohayo gozaimasu .Good evening - Konbanwa .Good night - Oyasuminasai .Goodbye - Sayonara .How are you? - Ogenki desu ka? .Thank you - Arigato .Thank you very much - Domo arigato gozaimasu .You`re welcome - Do itashimashite .I`m sorry - Gomen nasai .Please (when offering something) - Dozo .Please (when requesting something) - Kudasai .Please (when requesting something more politely) - Onegaishimasu .1 2 3 4 5 - ichi, ni, san, shi/yon, go .6 7 8 9 10 - roku, shichi/nana, hachi, kyu, ju

This resource was uploaded by: Craig