orange_sherbet @ ウィキ
http://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/
orange_sherbet @ ウィキja2008-02-20T21:24:39+09:001203510279Random Chatting Page
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/37.html
This is Masumi. I am sorry for making a new page without any permission...
if anyone thinks this is inappropriate, please delete the page.
If interested you may take a look (><) also I hope this relieves you from stress. ? lol
Doing this project, I figured out how there are so many funny
expressions in Japanese that does not exist in English.
Like what we talked randomly during discussion, we talked about
how "doki-doki" "sara-sara" does not really exist.
Onomatopoeia, right?
Then how can people express the feelings in English?!
If you were to explain "doki-doki" in English, wouldn't it be so hard?
It may sound like saying it roundabout. whatshouldmacallit.
Expression -
Japanese people might be shy in expressing something, so they
have these very useful expression words. In contrast, American
people do not need them because they are not shy!
I am sorry for making random analysis.
I know this has nothing to do with the project...
- Just out of curiosity, does Tagalog have any onomatopoeias? Some Asian language such as Japanese and Korean has them. Or does anyone know any other language that has onomatopoeias? -- Jin (2008-02-20 00:58:32)
- where is the edit this page button? or am i just going crazy? -- courtney (2008-02-20 01:41:35)
- cause actually i just wanted to say that there is nothing wrong with having a random discussion page. we're just cool like that. also i wanted to say....out project was the best. no offense to the other groups or anything... -- 名無しさん (2008-02-20 01:42:25)
- also....all lanugages have onomatop.... yeah. they all have them. but japanese is DEFNITELY one of the languages with the most. in english if we wanted to express doki doki, it woudl just be like....." i was sooo nervous that my hands were sweating!" or soemthing like that. basically we would use other phenomenon to *explain* the feeling rather than rely on the connotation of an onomatopea word! -- 名無しさん (2008-02-20 01:45:33)
- lol, thanx~!! I thought some ppl might be "donbiki"ed (translation: "uhh, what the hell") and yeah! our project IS awesome!!! -- masumi (2008-02-20 16:04:34)
- oops, I meant, by making random page, I thought ppl would be donbikied by me lolz. btw, I made the edit button just for courtney! yeah, too bad you have to explain the feeling, which is pretty time consuming... dokidoki ("my heart is twinkling and twirling along with the heartpump, with or with no hope of something coming up...") ahh dunno-- -- masumi (2008-02-20 16:10:50)
#comment
extra: I've found some pages related to onomatopoeia issues.
http://blog.livedoor.jp/fairypot/archives/51312664.html
"Should Onomatopoeias in Japanese comics be translated?"
http://www.howtodrawmanga.com/kdms1/kdms1000.html
こんなものまであるのか!(笑)
extra pointless thing:
I thought this was funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJSTj9e9MQ0
How do you ... translate &italic(){TOKIMEKI}!!!
note: I am not a fan of wat don't worry lol
Masumi Moto
courtney, feb 20 21:30
hahaha thank you so much!! im lost without the "edit page" button...
but dont you think its more fun to describe your feelings like that?? you can be more creative!!
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&link_edit(text=Edit this page whee)
2008-02-20T21:24:39+09:001203510279Index
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/18.html
ICL2007W
Intercultural Communication and Relations
Groupwork - Making Friends Beyond the Barriers
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**Notice! [[Random Chatting Page>Random Chatting Page]]
Website!
[[ICL WEBSITE>http://homepage.mac.com/jinshintani/icl103/iclwebsite.swf]]
However, this is still under construction.
I'm waiting for everyone's work to be finished!
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***Notice! For editors page link.
Please wrap up the stuff in the draft here.
[[Introduction>For editors - Introduction]]
[[Motivation>For editors - Motivation]]
[[Language>For editors - Language]]
[[Initial Meetings>For editors - Initial Meetings]]
[[Everyday Conversations>For editors - Everyday Conversations / Manners]]
[[Social Interaction>For editors - Social Interaction]]
[[Conclusion>For editors - Conclusion]]
(maybe this one doesn't have to be done by tomorrow...
we could discuss about conclusion in class,
with what we've got for each pages.)
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when you read discussions, i think we should show that we read the discussion.
but not always we need to "edit" the page (when you dont have anything special to add)
so, i suggest to add comment form each discussion, and leave a message when you read.
it is easier to use, and more like bbs or forum
- leave comment like this -- daisuke (2008-02-04 02:31:08)
- hmmm... iccc -- yoshimi (2008-02-04 09:24:11)
- Sorry, I found this note out just right now. -- Jin (2008-02-10 14:16:30)
- everyone feel free to MOVE STUFF AROUND.....if you see something that would fit better on a different page, feel free to copy and paste!!! -- courtney (2008-02-11 13:25:02)
- hey guys, I was thinking.. maybe it would be better if we would include actual photos in our website. Just to make it appear more interesting.. what do you think? -- カトリーナ (2008-02-14 00:54:04)
- the website is awesome! so cool!!!! love it -- masumi (2008-02-17 15:49:16)
#comment
I couldn't figure out how to make a new wiki inside moodle, so I made up one.
Maybe this can be useful to discuss outside class.
Sorry for the inconvenience, that the Wiki service that I found was only in Japanese,
so it there might be some troubles for Courtney and Katrina,
but I'll try to modify the pages into English as possible.
Just mail me if you have any troubles in using wiki.
But, I think the only Japanese that you have to understand in
using this Wiki is「ページ保存」which is below, or above
your editing form, and it means "save edit".
Editing permission is open to everyone for now,
you can edit from everywhere, so please do edit!
Maybe we can start up with writing down our notes to Wiki.
>To the April students
英語でなかなか自分の言いたいことのニュアンスが
表せない場合もあると思うので、日本語で書き込みしても構いませんが、
最終的なwebsiteではどっちにしろ英語にしなきゃならないので、
出来れば英語でお願いします。
&link_edit(text=Edit this page)
2008-02-20T00:59:53+09:001203436793Scoshi Project - draft
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/36.html
**Scoshi Project
Paste the paragraphs you wrote for scoshi project!
If possible, please write the chapter name, and which analysis you used.
(1 paragraph each, right? wouldn't it be hard to compile if one person wrote more than 1 paragraph??)
masumi
----
Scoshi
Katrina Soliman, 113890
Chapter 10: Martin and Nakayama on Culture, Communication and Intercultural Relationships
Analysis used: The stages of relationships
An important theme evident throughout the whole story is the relationship between Joanne and Yoshiko. Early on, the author advised the readers to think about any friendships they had that didn’t really end well. I think this was meant to give the readers a hint of what the story was all about – the progression and eventual disintegration of the author’s relationship with Yoshiko. Firstly, the scene in the noodle shop tells us of how they started to know each other – the initiation (orientation) part of their relationship. The enthusiasm on both sides seems to assure us of a happy ending. The author expresses her satisfaction knowing that both she and Yoshiko had a lot in common. However, at the latter part of the conversation, when they were talking about Yoshiko’s arrival date and Yoshiko ‘nodded.. but made no other response except to rise,’ something appears to be wrong. Our doubts about the relationship’s progress is confirmed when the author expresses her disappointments with how Yoshiko was handling matters in her new environment. Their relationship fast-forwarded into the development and plateau stages, which ultimately lead to the decline and termination of their friendship in the end.
I think what is important to note here is that no one can really be held responsible for the relationship’s failure. It seems that both parties were forced to get to know and be comfortable with each other in such a fast pace that everything about their relationship seemed to be superficial. The relationship’s progress was heavily dictated by time constraints and high expectations from people around me. This probably put both Joanne and Yoshiko under stress, which resulted to a subtle contestation of power between the two (who dictates what, whose demands should be met etc). Evidently, it was Joanne who fully submitted to Yoshiko’s demands even though she felt that that was not how things should be.
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Miki 101123
By the difference Yoshiko's culture and Joanne's culture, they must had one issue among them. Chapter 3 shouws that situation 'culture influences communication'(Relationshiop between culture and communication).
Yoshiko wanted to change her appartment, becuse the one of the reasons was about a neighborhood. She complained about him about on warm days without shirts (P17 L39). It is quite strenge appearnance for Japanese even it is a warm day. However, it is not strange for Joanne (for American). Cultural value is the most deeply felt, and values tell cultual groups what they ought to (Ch3,P63). In this man without shirts situation, Yoshiko's value (Japanese's) and Jpanne's value (American's) are difference. The cultural difference leads them the difficulty in understanding each other.
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Yoshimi Takahashi, 081740
Chapter 8: Migrant-host Relationship
By using migrant-host relationship model, Yoshiko can be categorized in first form of Separation from her behavior expressed in the reading. People who are in Separation “retain their original culture and at the same time avoid interaction with other groups (ch.8 p.207).”As Brown says, “she seemed uninterested in getting to know our students or faculty, instead seeking out other Japanese living in the community (line13 p.16),” and “she has taken a hostile attitude toward many things, and her criticisms have put our college in an unfavorable light (line 24, p16),”Yoshiko keeps persisting Japanese way and avoiding interaction with co-workers, students and people in Iowa. Brown kept tying to understand Yoshiko and Japanese culture. However, Brown was upset at her behavior when Yoshiko complained about her apartment and insisted it should be in Japanese way. It can be seen in her line 17, p18, “she was not in Japan but in Iowa, that she had come to learn about another culture instead of clinging to her own, and that it was time she tried making compromises instead of demands.” This also implies that Yoshiko had not tried to learn Iowa culture, but persisted Japanese way.
Segregation, the second form of separation cannot be applied to Yoshiko since the condition constitutes Segregation when “Separation is initiated and enforced by the dominant society.” Yoshiko was neither initiated nor enforced by anyone to separate herself from American people or Iowa people.
I guess… I should mention the reason why she is not categorized in other three, Assimilation, Integration, and Marginalization… but oh well… this is a draft so…
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courtney: chapter 8 separation model
Upon arriving in America, Yoshiko chose to keep herself separate from American culture, and did her best to maintain the kind of lifestyle she had while in Japan. The chapter 8 model of “separation” best illustrates Yoshiko’s behavior while in America.
The reading states that “separation is when migrants willingly chose to retain their original culture and at the same time avoid interaction with other groups.” Yoshiko’s lifestyle in America is a perfect example of this behavior. When she first arrives, according to Joanne she seemed uninterested in getting to know other members of the faculty or the students, and she secluded herself in her office with the door closed. Even when she made promises to appear as a guest speaker in other classes, but she never showed up. She bought her own car and moved in on her own, completely avoiding interaction with other Americans, including Joanne, who felt they had so much in common.
Yoshiko also directly chooses to retain her Japanese culture, although it seems as though it was less of a choice and more like lack of interest in even trying to assimilate to American culture. She certainly did not leave her behind her Japanese friends/contacts/family, which is evident by the five-hundred dollar phone bill. Her lack of willingness to try to live like an American is directly stated when she was talking to Joanne in the car. She complains about the old furniture, the lack of new appliances, and the black men in the neighborhood, claming that this is simply not the Japanese way. She had come to America to learn another culture, but instead clung unwaveringly to her Japanese necessities and lifestyle, using a simple explanation of “it is the Japanese way,: despite the fact that she lived in America.
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Masumi Moto
Chapter 3 : Culture as Resistance to Dominant Society (p.73)
Yoshiko is having the problem of communicating with the different culture. She cannot step out of her culture and accept the other culture, since Yoshiko tends to lock herself up in her own shell when she arrives in Iowa. It may be just because she feels comfortable that way to keep her privacy. This could be an example of Japanese culture. When Yoshiko is on campus, “she [secludes] herself in her office with the door closed.” (16) So, she apparently seems like she is not interested in seeing other people. In addition, later in the story, Tadaharu says that “Japanese need privacy.” (21) Yoshiko can be considered as typical Japanese, who cares about her own personal space. Therefore, she is an individual who uses her “own space to resist dominant society,” (Ch 3, 73) and the society being the school.
----
Jin Shintani
Analysis on The Components of Competence : Chapter 12
The contrast of the acculturation procedure between Yoshiko and Tadaharu is vividly shown in the middle stage of the story. Tadaharu seems to be acculturating into the society very naturally without any difficulties, but were there any strategies in his successful acculturation? According to the Components of Competence introduced in Chapter 12, many concepts can be applied to their contrast. First of all, the Motivation (p317) differs greatly between these two. Second, Yoshiko does not show her complaints and opinions out, which may seem like a way of D.I.E. exercise(p320), and may prevent cultural conflicts. But however, this turns out to be a failure in the relationship between Yoshiko and Joanne. And Third, Tadaharu is actively working on many of the concepts listed in Behaviors and Skills (p321), such as emulating the American behavior and actively interacting with people, which corresponds with the concept of display of respect and empathy, and interaction management. As applied to acculturating theories like this, it can be said that the contrast between Yoshiko and Tadaharu was a good actual case in acculturation study, and many strategies can be seen from this.
&link_edit(text=Edit this page) 2008-02-20T00:48:31+09:001203436111Introduction - draft
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/27.html
**Introduction
----
[katrina]
Youkoso! Welcome!
So you've made it to ICU! Congratulations! Allow us to applaud you for making the decision to be part of this unique international environment that ICU offers. We're sure you're excited to take your first steps into this new world and meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. It won't be easy... but we assure you it will be fun. All you need is a dose of postive attitude, a desire to make friends, an open mind and this little step-by-step guide that we have created just for you. So if you're ready to make friends and enjoy your life at ICU, take a deep breath and dive in!
*So what is this guide really?
This website is dedicated to newcomers and those who may still feel like newcomes to the ICU environment. Our goal is to present a step-by-step guide to allow you to make the most of ICU's culturally diverse community and help you build genuine friendships that go beyond languages and borders. :)
*How do I use this guide?
It's simple! This guide consists of five parts:
1. Motivation
2. Language
3. Initial Meetings
4. Everyday Conversations/ Manners
5. Social Interaction
We are presenting these steps in the form of a staircase, wherein each part represents a single step. Feel free to move up and down the staircase depending on your own needs. We suggest starting from the very first step for maximum learning experience. (Besides, don't we all take the first step when we climb the stairs?) Read each module carefully and try not to skip any of the steps!
*About the creators
This website is the product of the joint efforts of April, September and OYR students for our Intercultural Communication and Relations class. That being said, you need not worry that this guide would not be applicable to you. We've all been there, done that. Trust us in this one.
Courtney Smith: an OYR from California! I owe a lot of my understanding of the Japanese culture to this project :)
Daisuke Nakamura: a super super senior April student. Never studied abroad, but loves american culture.
Jin:
Katrina Soliman, 113890: an OYR from the Philippines. This is her first time abroad, and she's LOVING it.
Masumi Moto: 09 September student, majoring in Education! I lived in USA (MA) for 8 years and graduated hs there. I think I can understand both Japanese and American culture! and of course, I can accept both!
Megumi Sato: a sophomore April student, and studied at Toronto by SEA program. I love talking with people even who have different cultures!
Miki Kansai: April student. Don't worry! If you are poor English or Japanese speakers, somebody support you like this company supports me.
Yoshimi: 08 September student. I lived in Canada for 2 years and graduated Canadian public high school. I can accept both cultures and of course I have curiousty in ANY CULTURE.
*For the conclusion, it has been decided that everyone will write a paragraph about their own experiences about barriers and making friends at ICU. (please post this on the "intro" page on the wiki as soon as possible!) ← This page?
Miki: When I become a freshman at ICU, I was little bit nervous. I warried whether I could have good relationships with students who are younger than me (=making friends) or not, because I am older than other freshmans and I am not a good English speaker. I did not mind how old friends are or good speakers, but I thought that they may mind how old friends are or good speakers. This thinking is my barrier to make friends. Although there are not many, I have good friends here now. I am very satisfied with it. Through this group work, I think that it is not that barriers have already presented. Barriers are made by you and me. In addition what I learn it is that knowing and appreciating the differnces amoung people prevent us from barriers.
Megumi: I entered ICU with wish for making many non-Japanese friends. However, April, September, and OYR students have their own groups; there are big barriers. I thought if I spent my ICU life with only April students, it would be really hard to make other cultural freiends. Therefore, I tried to speak with OYR students at Bakayama, in class, and Library. Even though I was not a good English speaker, they talked with pleasure. Now, I have many friends all over the world. In addtion, my friends and I have cultural differences. In order to keep good relationships, we always try to understand each other, and talk a lot. With a little courage and comprehensive mind, you can make good relationships with people who are in other culture!! Just do it☆
Katrina: Being neither a native speaker of English nor Japanese and considering that my stay in ICU would only be for a year, I was kinda hesitant about making friends. However, entering ICU somehow changed my perspective on things. My world suddenly expanded and I knew I had to pick either of these two choices: to shut myself from this new world or take the risk and discover what it has to offer. I chose the latter and I'm glad I did. I learned that you don't have to be afraid of making mistakes or try so hard to be someone you're not to make friends. Just be yourself, be open-minded and don't let all your differences freak you out. Lastly, don't let your broken Japanese/English hold you down! Believe me, most people don't mind! It's your willingness to make friends that counts!
Courtney: Breaking all the barriers and climbing all the steps on your own is a scary thing. And no one can live without others, which is why you must seek out people who are also interested in crossing barriers and cultures, because mutual motivation is the only that can truly break down walls between cultures and even groups within cultures. In some cases, you will have to change, and in some cases, it will be the other people who will change, and you can't just "be yourself" and expect to successfully fit into another culture. It takes effort and courage...you WILL make mistakes, and end up looking silly sometimes, but it's a small price to pay if at the end of the day you can call a foreign culture "home."
Masumi: If everyone at ICU is so desperate to make friends, don't you think that ALL the students at ICU are friends at first sight (although not love at first sight)? Why is it not possible to become friends with all the people in the same university? At first, they are all strangers…but we have all entered ICU with the same goal – study and graduate. There are similarities. Of course, there are differences, too. Different personality, hobbies, fashions, taste, interaction, culture… but because the similarities and differences coexist, there are varieties of people. When you get to know someone, don’t miss the chance of becoming more familiar with each other – keep in contact! People will love you, so don’t be afraid to meet new people – it changes the whole world around you and even your future! Thanks a lot to my group, my friends!
Daisuke: I've held a party for OYRs last September, and more than 40 people attended the party.(mostly OYRs) Why could I meet that many OYRs? Because I really wanted to be friend with them, and also I really liked to hang out with them. Of course you need energy or efforts to get close with them, but if you are highly motivated, it's like nothing. Because energy or efforts means just go out with them and it should be fun! They are always "open" for you. If you want a chance, find a voluntray work for JLP. Once you make a friend, you will be the friend's friends. Or you can dive into their community. Which I did, and it was exciting!
Yoshimi: ICU is not the only place that has barriers making friends. From my experience in Canada, there definitely were barriers between local students and international students in Canada. And, of course, we would face unexpected barriers anywhere we go... man and women, old and young, handsome and ugly (just kidding) etc... However, We can learn how to deal with it and try to improve the situation! Our members, we all had luckily strong motivation to make friends from various cultures so that we became really good friends through this project. If you have strong motivation, it's there. I hope our website helps you to make friends at ICU and wherever you go.
Jin: The international environment that ICU has is very unique. I came into ICU, expecting some kind of an international culture like an melting pot. But however, I've found out that the groups were bordered between the foreigners and April students, and there were not much people who could pass through those barriers existing between the groups. I was also one of those who wanted to make friends with OYRs, but didn't know how to go beyond the barrier. This is why I presented this title of "Making friends beyond the barriers". What we've earned through the group discussion, with a wide variety of members including OYRs, April, ex-Shakaijin, super-super-senior, September students, was very fruitful. I realized how mutual understanding is important in intercultural communication, and each discussion was full of new findings. I hope our project will be an useful tip to your step beyond the barrier!
&link_edit(text=Edit this page)
2008-02-18T23:54:46+09:001203346486For editors - Conclusion
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/35.html
**Conclusion
??
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&link_edit(text=Edit this page) 2008-02-17T15:47:21+09:001203230841For editors - Language
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/30.html
**Language
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*Definition
The natural barriers to communication and making friends caused by language.
*Explanation
&bold(){Tolerance to Non-native Speakers}
People in multicultural areas such as the West coast, New York, or Toronto have tolerance in speaking English to non-native speakers. Local people are also used to listening to and understanding non-native English.
However, Japanese people don't have the tolerance to speak with non-fluent Japanese speakers, and this creates a barrier at ICU between non-native speakers of Japanese and other students. Because Japan is a relatively homogenous society, most Japanese people have little or no experience talking with people who don't speak fluent Japanese, and therefore don't really know how to communicate with someone who is not fluent.
Even in California and other highly multicultural areas, there are two kinds of people; those who have the abitlity to speak to foeigners and those who do not. Some people have never learned another language and have never been in a situation where they are unable to understand, and therefore lack the paitience and diligence required to communicate with non-fluent speakers.
There are some people who have tolerance in speaking with non native Japanese speakers in Japan and
of course, there are some people who do not like communicating with non-native English speakers in the U.S. Young people, especially teens tend not to have the tolerance or desire to speak with non-native speakers.
&bold(){Keigo}
"Keigo" or formal language can be a communication barrier. In Japanese, there is a custom to use keigo for elder people or people in positions above you, otherwise it is considered rude. Especially the first time you meet someone, keigo should be used in order to not sound rude. While keigo is useful to show respect or politeness, it keeps a certain distance between people in the relationship. When a relationship begins using keigo, it is hard to switch to "tame-guchi." Tameguchi is plain or casual speech, which is used for younger or lower postion people, but somtimes it can also be used when looking down on someone. Therefore, which level of speech you use upon meeting someone for the first time is a very important consideration.
&bold(){Bilingual Environment}
ICU is a particularly stressful environment when it comes to communicating. There are so many people that are fluent in English and Japanese that those of us that aren't have anxiety about trying to speak a language that we are not fluent in. Also, the environment of ICU allows for NOT speaking Japanese/English...there is always a way to get something done in either language. This makes practicing a foreign language even more difficult because people can automatically talk to you in the language you understand, making it simply inconvenient to practice the foreign language.
*Examples / Actual Cases
From my experience, OYR students don't seem to want to use Japanese when they are hanging out with friends, and some students said they don't want to be bothered with Japanese outside of class because class and tutoring is enough practice. OYRs cannot relax when they are using Japanese, or cannot really enjoy themaelves when they have to use Japanese all the time. OYRs want to use Japanese and sometimes try, but it is still different from conversational Japanese. To really relax and enjoy a conversation, a high level of language skill is needed.
OYRs want to use Japanese outside of class, but the problem (specially for native speakers of English) is that most ICU students tend to speak to them in English. So rather than complicate things and make the conversation longer, the task just is just carried out in English.
*Solutions
From the Japanese side and the problem of low tolerance to non-native speakers, the solution is easy. It is important to realize that because OYR's Japanese is not fluent, Japanese speakers must speak slowly, pronounce clearly, and when they dont understand, repeat and paraphrase until they understand.
It is also important to realize that the language you speak upon initially meeting someone often determines the kind of language that relationship will take on, weather that be English, Japanese, or a combination of both.
Listen when your Japanese friends are talking amongst themselves. Try picking up important words or commonly-used expressions, know the context or situation in which they are spoken, and try to use them as much and as casually as you can in conversations. It's a good way to loosen up a conversation and let your Japanese friends know you're actually interested in speaking the language with them.
As for OYRs, if you show that you really want to speak Japanese! If you refuse to resort to English, then your Japanese freinds will eventually learn how to communicate with you.
&link_edit(text=Edit this page) 2008-02-15T16:16:07+09:001203059767For editors - Everyday Conversations / Manners
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/31.html
**Everyday Conversations / Manners - draft
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**Definition
This is the stage between the final step of making friends and the first step of actually meeting people.
The goal here is to give you a better understanding of stereotypical conversation models, so that differences between Japanese conversations and what you may be used to will not be a problem.
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**Explanation
American people typically feel comfortable talking to anyone. For example, at the airport when they're waiting for the plane or with people who they are sitted next to in the plane. Some Japanese, especially older people, talk to people they are seated next to on the train or plane, this particular sort of incident is still pretty rare, and in general, Japanese people hesitate to talk to people they don't know.
One of the reasons for this hesitation is that they don't know how to stop the conversation once they start it. They are afraid of being awkward after ending the conversation. It is often said that Japanese is a high context language, in which it is considered better to be quiet than be loud or talkative. However, Japanese people hate silence during the conversation and most feel pressured to break these awkward pauses.
Americans, by contrast, do not feel this compulsion and can stop the conversation whenever they want. Their subconscious ability to terminate the conversation or then start another conversation again at will is very strong.
&bold(){Japanese and American Conversation model}
-Japanese: catch ball
Basically the movement of a Japanese style conversation is throw-catch-return-catch-return....
Therefore people are expected to throw balls that are easy to catch so that the other person can easily return them. If the topic is hard to catch or throw back, the conversation will fail, and if there is nothing that the other person can "return the ball with," the conversation will end.
For example, in cell phone e-mail communication, if you want the message to continue, you are expected to add some questions so that the other person has something to reply to. Otherwise they might just read and not feel the need to reply, or just reply with a simple answer like "I see" and the conversation will end.
-American: bowling
People can throw out any topic, and someone else will find something interesting to base their response on and then conversation will continue.
Therefore there is no need to worry about a conversation topic. It can be said they are good at catching any sort of ball that may be thrown, whereas Japanese are not good at catching balls that are not thrown directly to them.
&bold(){Argument and Specific conversation topics}
Basically, Americans tend to engage in arguments more often, even in daily conversation. Japanese people, on the other hand, do not like to argue at all.
To avoid arguing, when Japanese people talk to someone who they are not close with, there are taboo topics such as politics, religions, and baseball. For Americans however, politics and religon are considered good discussion topics since "arguing" these topics will allow you to get to know the other person better.
&bold(){Non-verbal Language}
One thing that OYRs must look out for in the course of their interaction with Japanese people is ambiguity. It is important to understand that a large part of Japanese culture the abiltiy to say things indirectly and one is expected to be able to "read the atmosphere," a concept refered to as "KY."
&bold(){Physical Contact}
Physical contact is a popular greeting among western cultures. In contrast, it is rare in Japan and can be used only among people with close relations such as family or lovers. It is also said that Japanese people's personal space space is wider than that of westerners, so Japanese people may feel their personal space has been intruded upon even though westerners see it is as a normal distance. Personal space is private, and can be both physical and mental, which is why people feel uncomfortable when someone enters their space.
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**Examples
&bold(){The 'physical cnotact issue' story:}
A Japanese girl went to the UK. She stayed at the house of an older British man as a homestay. Every time she came back to the house, the British man hugged her as though she were his daughter.
He behaved this way around everyone, however, the Japanese girl did not like his hug. She said to us "彼は私にセクハラをしている"。(this is sexual harassment) The British man did not know she felt this way, but her feelings seemed to be clear after awhile. Because of this issue, the British man felt awkward as though he could not be close to the girl.
Physical contact was a normal greeting and the old man never thought she minded it, but in fact, she was nervous and worried about the physical contact all the time.
&bold(){Non-verbal communication story}
At the welcome party for new comers held in our dormitory, we (the OYRs) were given the privilege of getting food first. After getting our share, we immediately started eating while everyone else stood quietly in line to get their food. Some time passed by when suddenly, one of our dorm mates (who was American) told us to stop eating. My fellow OYRs and I were shocked and immediately stopped eating. It turned out that we were supposed to wait for everyone to get their food and then eat together. When we asked why no one told us, she said they were too shy to speak up. I scanned the room and all I could see were expressionless faces who are trying to avoid looking at our direction. It was quite awkward.
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**Solution / Recommendation / Suggestion etc.
It seems that the typical image of a Japanese, from an outsider's point of view, is that they are "shy" and "sensitive" and they feel the need to be "thoughtful" to others. Americans, on the other hand, are generally stereotyped as "active" and "outgoing."
Because of these stereotypes, it may seem that Japanese and American styles are exact opposites, which would make it impossible for them to communicate well. The Japanese may seem shy and senstive because they are so worried about the flow of the conversation. The easy solution for Japanese people is to not think too much and to focus on being themselves when meeting new people. Talk about whatever you want. Talk about what's going on; what you did recently, your plans, what you've been busy with, etc.
The best thing for foreigners to remember is that Japanese people are naturally "shy" and "sensitive" in comparison, so they should try to take the initiative in conversations and make the other person feel comfortable and 'at home' with you.
Personal space and physical contact may depend on the personality of each individual, but an understanding of each other's culture is also important.
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2008-02-15T16:07:50+09:001203059270For editors - Social Interaction
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/33.html
**Social Interaction
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*Definition
The way people interact with each other. This includes ways of communcation, how people share physical space, and what they do in the presnse of others.
*Analysis
&bold(){The Continuity of Relationships in Japan}
Japanese people tend to perceive that once a relationship has been established, it will continue on forever. Relationships that end are considered to be failed relationships.
The Japanese tend to be very cautious to not create disharmonies in relationships, and this is connected to the implicit, non-verbal, high-context atmosphere present in Japanese society.
This can be very stressful to foreigners who come from low-context based cultures, where little is implicit and there is no hestation in being direct. For example, Californians tend to make friends easily, and have no concern at all about weather or not the relationship will continue.
&bold(){Spaces for Social Interaction}
The way in which Japanese people and foreigners spend time with each other varies greatly depending on their environment. Because ICU is located in the metropolis of Tokyo, ICU students' main choice of locations for hanging out are city locations. This means going to bars, karaoke, izakayas or to clubs. Japanese people live in tiny apartments, and because houses in Tokyo are so rare, it is uncommon for people to gather in someone's home. This is of great surprise to many of the OYR's, who have spent their college years going to house or dorm parties. Many foreigners become frustrated at the lack of "things to do" despite the fact that they live in Tokyo. Living in a large city is also a new experience for many of the OYRs, who find they have conflicting intrests with their Japanese friends who have already adjusted to city life.
&bold(){Ways of Spending Time}
ICU students's priorities are completely different from those of their foreign counterparts! While foreign college students place a huge emphasis on partying or just having fun, ICU students place a much greater and more time-consuming emphasis on their studies.
*Examples
&bold(){Excuses}
ICU students do not have the time to get in touch with one another because of time constraints.
From the American's point of view, ICU students tend to use their lack of time as an excuse to
avoid certain social situations. College students in America also condsider themselves busy, but rather than use this as an exuse to not go, it encourages them to work harder to make time to play, even if they dont actually have that time.
&bold(){Physical Difficulty}
Lack of transportation causes problems for ICU students. Since the last train for the Chuo line comes earlier than that of Yamanote line and also the last bus from ICU leaves before 12pm, people cannot hold parties until midnight.
In addition, because ICU is in an urban area, ICU students are not allowed to come to school by car. Therefore, the train and bus scheudles are of great importance to those who do not live close enough to come by bike.
However, in most of the American universities, students have cars or live on campus/near enough to campus to simply walk home after parties or other activities that may run late.
&bold(){Commuting from home}
There are many peple who commute from their home to ICU everyday. Almost half of the students at ICU
are from the Tokyo area; therefore, lots of students live with their parents. Not only does this cause physical difficuties related to distance but also the issue of where to eat dinner. Sharing meals is a key component when it comes to informal social interaction, especially at the college level. Those who live at home always have dinner waiting for them if they chose not to go out, and this causes a conflict between
&bold(){Curfew Problem}
Curfews are very common in Japan, for those in dorms and those living at home. While the curfew may be at a reasonable time, because of commute time, many students have to leave activities earlier than what most OYR students consider normal. The dorm curfews also mean that dorm parties are definitely not possible.
*Solution
The Japanse way of making friends is stressful, however, this is the Japanese style.
This style and society are based on the Japanese sense of values. Young Japanese people who are aware of this have a choice to make when they are in a situation to create new friends, They can follow the traditional Japanese relationship values, or take on a new perspective more in tune with that of most OYRs at ICU.
ICU students may not be able to change into this style. If ICU students change their style
of making new friends, then they leave behind much of their Japanese identity, and this will probably cause tension when trying to make friends with other Japanese people.
The important fact is to know one's own style and to be aware that someone else's style may be different.
For example, when a Japanese person meets an American person for the first time, the Japanese
person may think that "She must have come from the US, so her style may be making friends more directly" At the same time, the American person may think that "She is Japanese, so she might get to know me in the maainotsumekata (間合いの詰め方) approach style." By knowing each others style, it is possible to prevent misunderstandings. Thinking about another style in this way is truely international communication.
However, instead of saying that Japanese people "should change the style," it is better to
say that people should not deny the different styles: Denying would lead to opposition.
Good intercultural communication cannot be established if one side denies the other culture.
Mutual understanding of each other's culture is the most important thing. The ways to make friends are different for each person, so to accept variety is necessary.
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2008-02-14T19:58:21+09:001202986701For editors - Motivation
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/29.html
**Motivation
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*Definition
The desire to interact in with people, culture and language to which you may be new; the decision to step out of your comfort zone and the will to learn from any mistakes along the way.
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*Explanation
All ICU students have already demonstrated some kind of motivation. The OYR students came from other countries because they wanted to study in Japan. April and September students passed rigorous entrance exams because they chose to attend ICU, a school with an international atmosphere.
Motivation is the most important factor in overcoming differences and barriers and creating friends outside one's native language/culture. Motivation allows you to continue learning even during setbacks, allows absorption of criticism and the ability to overcome of mistakes. Learning a new culture and meeting people in a new culture is often all about mistakes and learning, and without motivation, the setbacks can easily kill the energy required to interact in a new environment.
With enough motivation, despite all the hardships of acculturation, you will never lose hope!
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*Examples
My friend in Canada, who is originally from Hong Kong, loves Japanese movies and cars. He has never studied in Japan, but his Japanese is very good because he learns from watching movies and he so eager to speak Japanese to Japanese people. His high level of motivation is because he loves Japanese movies and cars so much!
Many people at ICU say they want to make friends with OYR students. However, when it comes down to actually going out and making friends, they are not very motivated. In order to make friends with OYRs, they would have to use their free time and put out effort that may result in embarressment. The potential outcome of making a friend is not worth the effort and the possiblity of being rejected.
When approaching a new person, Japanese people worry too much about what could happen, what language to speak in, and weather or not their initial comments may be considered rude. And by the time they have thought of all these things to worry about, they have completely lost their motivation to meet the new person!
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*Solution
A little encouragement and motivation go a long way. Japanese language students need to find motivation to speak in Japanese even when everyone in the immediate environment, ICU, can speak English. For example, joining a club or finding a boyfriend/girlfriend where the activities/relationships are conducted in your foreign language are excellent motivating factors.
As for Japanese students, they simply need to realize that the foreigners will not judge them and they do not have to worry about negative feedback. And in the even that they put out the effort to make friends with a new person but that person does not want to become freinds in return, Japaense students must realize this is not the end of world! They must not lose movtivation just based on one case, because if you keep trying, eventually all the effort will pay off and you will become good at getting to know foreigners.
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2008-02-14T18:53:01+09:001202982781For editors - Initial Meetings
https://w.atwiki.jp/orange_sherbet/pages/32.html
**Initial Meetings
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**Definition
The first meeting at the beginning of a relationship.
In the context of ICU, this is how April/September/OYR students find themselves in situations where they have a chance to meet each other.
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**Explanation
&bold(){Finding people:}
Japanese POV: It may be a simple matter of finding someone to talk with for some people. But for others it can be stressful and energy-consuming. At the first meeting, they select the persons whom talk with carefully. On the other hand, other person do not mind that.
Outsider POV: A basic characteristic of forming Japanese relationships seems to be the consideration of the benefit of the relationship beforehand, because in Japan, individuals are not so much considered for their own ability, but who they know.
&bold(){Starting conversations:}
Japanese: When a suitable person is found to talk to, they approach the person shyly. The conversation is started by asking where the person lives, how old the person is, or which club the person belongs to. If they find they have things in common (same hobby or same hometown), a good feeling develops. However, their nervousness will continue. On the other hand, other people find it easier to meet people for the first time. When they find someone new, they will approach them with a smile and start some kind of small talk.
Outsider: Americans don't really consider where and when they meet people or hesitate to start conversations.
&bold(){During conversation:}
Japanese: Some people find these inital conversations worrysome or stessful, and other people are good at making conversation. They can follow the subject with ease. They can easily bring out the characteristics of the person they are talking with. Thus the conversation can progress enjoyably, and it can continue or stop naturally.
Outsider: Japanese people are concerned about 間合いのつめかた(maai no tsumekata), which means how/when to progress in a relationship, a concept that most foreigners are thoroughly unaware of. The context of a situation and the ability to "read the air" dictates the appropriate behavior in Japanese mind.
&bold(){The end of the meeting:}
Japanese: The end of the meeting, some people will exchage e-mail addresses, hoping to later to send email. However, they are glad to exchange e-mail addresses because that is proof of their new friendship. Exchanging e-mail is the best way to keep a friend, and as they get to know each other, their conversation will improve in time.
Outsider: Americans may exchange phone numbers, and it doesn't matter if they will call the new person or not. Often phone numbers are exchanged for other reasons than simply just to "become friends."
&bold(){Another day after the meeting}
Some people worry about whether they have become friends or not, so when they meet the persons, they hesitate to interact with them. On the other hand, some people do not think about weather or not they have become friends, they think only of the good time they had with the new person.
Outsier: For [Americans], personality and individual compatibility determine how the relationship will progress.
One of the main problems between the groups at ICU, the OYRs, the September students and the April students seems to be actually meeting one another. In Japan there are certain ways one normally makes friends, such as joining a club or living in the dorms. But many of the students do not have these opportunities. For example, many clubs do not want OYR students, who are preoccupied with traveling and are only at ICU for a year anyway. Compared to other Japanese universities, a relatively small number of people join clubs at ICU. So ICU students are already at a disadvantage when it comes to meeting people.
Relationships in Japan are taken very seriously, maintained, nurtured, and sometimes extinguished. To many OYRs, this is a strange process...especially to many Americans, who make friends with anyone, anywhere, and for any reason, and rely on their own personal ability to make it in life rather than the relationships they form.
That is to say, the way of making friends is serious problem for some people, and for others it is quite easy. Of course, friends are a very important part of life for everyone.
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**Examples / Actual Cases
Many OYRs initially were interested in joining the Smooth Step circle, which would have been a great way to interact with Japanese students however, it turned out that the Smooth Steppers didn't want OYR students because they couldn't participate in March practices. The practice seemed to be made as to completely discourage OYR participation.
It also seems that many Japanese people feel intimidated by foreigners joining clubs! Smooth Step didn't want foreign girls because they are "too cute." This competitive factor completely discourages meeting in a club or circle scene.
And even Japanese people have trouble meeting other Japanese people. A September says: When I first entered ICU, I didn't know anyone - I felt so alone, because there were no friends that I could spend time with. I was very motivated and wanted to make friends, but it was hard. The JLP classes were too small and the other classes were too big (since I was taking GE classes), and those classes were almost completely comprised of individual work. There was no "出会い", no chances to meet people. Even though I met many other September students, I didn't get a
chance to meet OYR students and April students.
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**Solution / Recommendation / Suggestion etc.
Suggestion 1
It is impossible to tell Japanese people to give up on their mindset, so the best thing for a foreigner in Japan to do is understand how Japanese people approach making new relationships. Foreigners should take the initiative when it comes to making Japanese friends, and they should also be aware of "imposing" too much of their own personality on sensitive situations; ie any first meeting one has with Japanese people they hope to befriend!
Suggestion2
Good initial conversations are a solid foundation for a good friendship!
When having conversations with Japanese people, be aware of quanity(make your contribution only as informative as required), quality (make your contribution truthful, and do not say anything for which you lack evidence), relation (allow people to know how they relate to you), manner (communicate clearly, avoid ambiguity and be bfief), and behavior (be aware of the other person's feelings, and listen and respond to what they have to say).
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&link_edit(text=Edit this page) 2008-02-14T18:23:16+09:001202980996