When you talk to people from other countries, do they often do some gestures? When you saw their gestures, do you understand the meanings? You might feel it is strange if you don’t know the meaning. How do we communicate with people without talking or just using simple expressions? There are so many differences between America and Japan, so we picked up five topics to explain; 1.Gestures, 2.Facial expressions, 3.Gaze & Eye contact, 4.Touch. 5. Special words & Greetings.
First of all, we will explain about 6 different gestures between America and Japan. First, a circle formed with the thumb and index finger means “OK” in America, while it means “money” in Japan. It is because this circle shape looks like a coin. Second, the thumb pointed up means “approval” in America, while it means “a man” or “boyfriend”. In addition, if I make a fist with the little finger extended, the Japanese can understand the meaning-“girlfriend”. When we try to ask someone whetther the people have a boyfriend or not, we sometimes use this gesture. Third, the palm down and waving means “Go away!” in America, while it means “Come here” in Japan. This difference often causes some problems between the American and the Japanese. Fourth, the way to point out someone is using index finger in America, while using entire hand to do that in Japan. The former is considered rude in Japan. Fifth, there are counting numbers differences. In America, they count “1” with thumb, ”2” with thumb and index,”3” with thumb and index and middle. However, in Japan, they count “1” with index,”2” with index and middle, “3” with index, middle and ring finger. Sixth, pointing things with the middle finger is bad meaning (obscene) in America, while it has no meaning in Japan. Also, there are some gestures that are used only by Japanese. First, if I touch the side of the neck with flat hand, the Japanese can understand that meaning –“fired”. Second, if I make a hook formed with the index finger, the Japanese can understand that meaning-“thief”. Third, if I put two index fingers beside the head, the Japanese can understand that meaning-“angry” It is because that gesture looks like “Oni”(Japanese Demon).
Secondly, talking about facial expressions, while Americans show more emotion, Japanese tend to try to hide their expressions especially negative emotions. The Japanese do not express their emotions because they fear if they express real feelings to others, they might hurt others feelings. So, the Japanese tend to say or act what they do not actually intended not to disturb others feelings and cause conflicts with others. Such behaviour of Japanese can describe in two words. One is “Honne”, another is “Tatemae”. “Honne” means “one’s actual intention“, and “Tatemae” means “one’s superficial words”. Since the Japanese respect harmony in relationships and conversations, “tatemae” is used to maintain their harmony among people and keep their atmosphere comfortable. “For example, in one study, the researchers had Japanese and American students watch an unpleasant film. When the students were alone watching the films, their facial expressions were similar. However, when they watched the film with others, the Americans showed more emotions than the Japanese did. In addition, a common point between two countries is male’s facial expression. Both men tend to conceal sad expressions.”(Kenji Kitao, S. Kathleen Kitao, www.cis.doushisha.ac.jp/kitao/library/student/textbook/ikubundou
/nonverb.htm)
Thirdly, let’s talk about gaze and eye contact. Americans often make eye contact, while the Japanese don’t. In Japan, people showed respect to people to look down in the past. However, this custom is not so common today, but sometimes people do to show their shame or not to be called by teachers in their class. When we were junior high school students or high school students, we were taught by teachers that when we listen to someone’s speech, we should put our heads up and look at the people who give you a speech. However, silence is considered as to be very important value in Japanese communications, because we don’t want to hurt others feelings and to disturb harmony. We try to understand others’ feelings by looking at their face, or to read others face. Since we don’t often say our feelings to others especially negative emotions and it’s difficult to read others feelings from their atmosphere, we sometimes misunderstand others feelings and behave in the wrong way. Recently, the words ”kuuki wo yomu.” is popular. It means that reading a person’s attitude or feelings from one’s expression or atmosphere and acting after you decide how to behave. That idea is also shows the value of disliking to disturb the good atmosphere among people.
Fourthly, how about touching communication? There are also some differences between America and Japan. In America, people touch in public when they greet someone such as by hugging or kissing. However, all the touching for Japanese is of the head, shoulders, and arms. When the Japanese say good bye to someone, they only do wave their hands and say farewell words. Other example is touching children’s heads. Touching small children’s heads is allowed in Japan, but it is not allowed in America.
Lastly, we have special words and greetings. There are two differences between America and Japan. What do you say when you leave home? When I go outside, I have to say “Ittekimasu”. If I say this word, someone inside the house has to say “Itterasshai”. “Ittekimasu” is the sign that you are leaving home, and “Itterasshai” means “Take care”. What do you do when you get home? Japanese people say “Tadaima”, when they come back home. If I say ”Tadaima”, someone inside the house replies “Okaerinasai”. “Tadaima” means “I’m home” and this is a sign that you came back home safely, and“Okaerinasai” means “I’m glad that you came back home safely”. These are the regular Japanese greetings. However, the American people hug and kiss, or say “Welcome home!” instead of these greeting words. Most American people say“grace”, and Japanese people say” Itadakimasu” at the same situation. When Japanese people finish to eat, they say “Gochisousama(deshita )”. Saying grace has the meaning of “Thank God for our food.”, however “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama” have the meaning of “Thank for sacrificing your life for us.”
In conclusion, even the simplest communication is quite different because of culture, so you should know the differences about communication when you talk with people from other countries, or you will misunderstand someone’s feeling. Through this presentation, we want you to be more interested in Japanese culture and your own cultures to understand my country and your own country.