In intercultural communication, linguistic competence must be accompanied by an understanding of the associations that the speakers share. For communicating in a foreign language, the most important kind of association is indicative association, which is related to the literature, customs, and history of a people. When Japanese people communicate…

To expand on previous studies of the difficulties encountered by Japanese students in the United States, 20 newly-arrived Japanese university students were interviewed about ten areas of daily life: nonverbal communication, money, time, systems of measurement, clothes, education, transportation, communication, manners, and getting acquainted with…

A questionnaire was completed by Japanese students at the University of Kansas, to determine their perception of cross-cultural understanding between Japanese and Americans at the University. The students judged American knowledge of Japanese culture to be meager, but were in general confident in their own grasp of American culture. This knowledge…

Differences between American and Japanese society and culture that contribute to differences in the use of body language are examined. These include historical and social factors. Examples of the differences and of the misunderstandings that can result are analyzed and illustrated, using a system of classifying kinesic codes into categories…

An essay compares Japanese and American language, reflecting on the fundamental culture-based differences between methods of communication in Japan and the United States. Japanese and Americans have different systems of logic and thought, attitudes, and ways of expressing themselves, all of which are affected by their respective background…