Recently I read a paper, which studies difference between Japanese and American students, very interesting. Because of the cultural differences between the two countries, the students behave differently on attitudes towards discussion, voicing objections to teachers’ remarks, views about competition and efficiency.
Attitudes towards discussion
In American culture active initiation and participation of discussion are encouraged while in Japanese culture attentive listening and brief comments after contemplation are promoted.
In a seminar, American students were talking loudly and clearly on what they thought, while Japanese students most of time were good listeners not speakers. Some American students thought, the Japanese students were not interested in what they said, actually the Japanese students liked what they said and just were thinking about it. In Japanese culture, silence is positive, which implies contemplation. However, in English-speaking communities silence is considered socially undesirable. American culture gives priority to verbalizing what people think spontaneously and clearly while Japanese culture gives priority to considering others’ feelings before expressing whatever occurs in their minds. By understanding each other’s differing viewpoints, we are able to acquire shared meanings in order to achieve good communication.
Voicing Objections to Teachers’ Remarks
In Asian cultures influenced by Confucianism where students are educated to respect and not to challenge their teachers, many students hesitate to voice obvious objections whereas by American value, challenging a teacher’s comments by asking questions is acceptable.
Views about Competition
Competition is the primary method among Americans for motivating members of groups while Japanese people in general value cooperative attitudes, promoting harmony.
Views about Efficiency
American culture values getting things done while Japanese culture generally gives priority to the other person’s feelings.
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