CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION in Japan

Japan Introduction Japan has a population of approximately 125 million people packed tightly into a small geographic area. The official language in Japan is Japanese. Japanese is spoken only in Japan. The literacy rate in Japan is very close to 100 per cent and 95 per cent of the Japanese population has a high school education.

Contd… contd…. Japan’s form of government is parliamentarian democracy under the rule of a constitutional monarch. The Prime Minister is the chief government officer. The Japanese have no official religion.

Cross Cultural Communication Our communication style affects how others’ react to and perceive us. Cross culture communication is  the process of sending and receiving messages between people whose cultural background could lead them to interpret verbal and non verbal signs differently.

Codes used in Communication VERBAL NON VERBAL Gestures Body Language Facial expression Eye Contact Words  Voice

VERBAL COMMUNICATION Japanese is quite phonetic and when spelled with the English alphabet. The pronunciation of vowels is as follows: A…”AH” as in Father I…”EE” as in Machine U…”OO” as in June E…”EH” as in Set O…”OH” as in Go Words and phrases: Yes…HA I No…I IE Please…DO ZO

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS In Japan, silence is just as important as speaking. It is a designed moment to understand what has just been communicated.

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS The “poker face” is used to cover up negative emotions as well as being used as a shield to protect your privacy. A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. www.wondershare.com

GESTURE COMMUNICATION Gestures used in Communication GESTURE COMMUNICATION Pointing to one‛s nose or touching the nose. Me Money

GESTURE COMMUNICATION Modesty or Embarrassment- Covering the mouth with a hand, usually by women

GESTURE COMMUNICATION Listening- Nodding one‛s head up and down. Not to be mistaken with a yes gesture. It means that one is listening, not necessarily agreeing.

GUESTURE COMMUNICATION Fighting- Criss crossing the index fingers or tapping the index fingers together. To be proud of……

GESTURE COMMUNICATION Stupid Gesture The gesture resembles something that has had all the life sucked out of it

GESTURE COMMUNICATION Hot When you’ve touched something hot like a pot, grab the earlobe with the thumb and index finger. Just Hoping Mad This gesture is only used when referring to someone else.

Body Language used in Communication Japanese people prefer not to stand close to others. While sitting ,don't show the bottom of shoes. Bows are commonly used in greeting, both when meeting and when departing.

EYE CONTACT  The Japanese consider direct and constant eye contact a rude gesture that means defiance or challenge.

ETIQUETTE Etiquette refers to guidelines which control the way a responsible individual should behave in the society.

Business Etiquette In Japan, businessmen are call "sarariman.“ In Japan, business cards are called meishi & are special care should be given.Japanese give and receive meishi with both hands. In a business situation, business cannot begin until the meishi exchange process is complete.

Business Etiquette Japanese business people expect a response in 24 hours.  The Japanese prefer to do business on the basis of personal relationship. The customary greeting is the bow. www.wondershare.com

Business Etiquette In introductions use the person’s last name plus the word san which means Mr or Ms Do not openly display money. It is important to use an envelope The Japanese prefer not to use the word no.May be while answering they may say yes sometimes but that means no www.wondershare.com

Number 14 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word ‘shuh-shuh’, which sounds like the word for death. www.wondershare.com

Dining Etiquette Meals in Japan traditionally begin with the phrase "itadakimasu". The phrase is similar to saying  ”grace” or to give thanks before a meal. It is acceptable to lift soup and rice bowls to the mouth so that one does not spill food.

Dining Etiquette

Japan Appearance   Those who dress according to their status or position impress the Japanese. Dress to impress.   Men should wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable.   Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting.

Contd…. Contd…..     Women’s dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should be placed on accessories. They should be minimal.   Women should not wear pants in a business situation. Japanese men tend to find it offensive.   Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering over men.

Contd….   The Japanese do not talk with their hands and to do so could distract your host.  Pointing in not acceptable.  A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure.

Contd….  

Gift giving Etiquette Gift giving is very important in both business and personal gifts. Always wrap gifts. Do not surprise the recipient with the gift. Give and receive gifts with both hands. www.wondershare.com

Contd…. Gift should be given at the end of the visit. Do not give gifts in odd numbers or the number four. A gift for an individual should be given in private. www.wondershare.com

 

Thank You! Arigatou gozaimasu