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American vs. Japanese Greeting Etiquette

The document compares cultural communication styles between Americans and Japanese people, highlighting differences in greetings, eye contact, refusals, compliments, and apologies. Americans prefer direct communication and maintain eye contact, while Japanese individuals often bow and avoid direct eye contact to show respect. Apologies and compliments also differ, with Americans using brief and direct expressions, whereas Japanese people tend to use more formal and indirect language.

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24 views1 page

American vs. Japanese Greeting Etiquette

The document compares cultural communication styles between Americans and Japanese people, highlighting differences in greetings, eye contact, refusals, compliments, and apologies. Americans prefer direct communication and maintain eye contact, while Japanese individuals often bow and avoid direct eye contact to show respect. Apologies and compliments also differ, with Americans using brief and direct expressions, whereas Japanese people tend to use more formal and indirect language.

Uploaded by

rosiebelvizzcayno
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Felino Edwin D. Malicdem Jr.

CIV101

UNITED STATES JAPAN


Greetings: American people usually do Japanese people often bow to greet others,
handshakes, sometimes with a hug. Firm although they also do handshakes in some
handshakes and constant eye contact are essential situations. Bowing is also used to show emotions
during greetings. such as gratitude, remorse or reverence.

Eye contact: Americans usually maintain eye Japanese people tend to avoid eye contact as
contact during conversations. This reflects direct eye contact can be seen as rude or
qualities such as warmth, openness, honesty and intimidating. Instead, they look at other parts of
approachability. someone’s face such as their chin.

Refusals: Americans are direct communicators, Japanese people avoid giving direct refusals or
and they say ‘no’ in a straightforward and clear negative responses. They might hesitate before
manner. However, Expressions of regret and responding when they refuse. For instance, even if
gratitude are used frequently in declining the speaker has no intention of considering the
invitations. Americans often begin with suggestion, they may reply to a request with
expressions like 'Well,' 'Thank you,' or 'I'd love to "Kento-shimasu," which translates to "I will
go,' followed by a phrase of regret or apology, and consider it."
then an explanation or excuse.
Compliments: Americans give frequent and direct Japanese people give indirect or subtle
compliments such as “You did great!” and offer compliments. Saying “you must be tired” is
direct feedback. equivalent to saying “you worked hard”.
Feedback is also softened or delayed.

Apologies: Americans often give brief and Japanese people often give elaborate and formal
informal apologies in many cases, such as “Sorry” apologies, even for minor inconveniences. The
or “My bad”. most common phrases are “sumimasen” meaning
“excuse me”, “I'm sorry”, or even “thank you”,
and “gomen nasai” which means “I am sorry” or
“please forgive me”, which are both used in
informal and formal settings.
Sources:
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/american-culture/american-culture-do-s-and-don-ts

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-etiquette

https://archive.carla.umn.edu/speechacts/refusals/american.html

https://archive.carla.umn.edu/speechacts/apologies/american.html

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/lesson/english/easytravel_j/s1_ep2.html#:~:text=SUMIMASE
N%20has%20many%20different%20meanings,bow%20in%20appreciation%20or%20apology.

https://www.japanesepod101.com/lesson/absolute-beginner-questions-answered-by-hiroko-10-
sumimasen-or-gomen-nasai

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