Blog #1

Amai Pg. 12 "The most well known examples of aimaina kotoba (ambiguous language) is the expression maa - maa, which is frequently used in Japanese conversation. When people are asked, "How are you?" they will often answer, "Maa - maa." This is generally translated into English as "not so bad," but the expression is ambiguous and actually has a very subtle range of meanings incorporated within a vague answer, which is regarded as good manners in Japan."(Pg. 12)

This concept is somewhat true in American culture as well but for a different reason. In American society it is much more common to express oneself in a less ambiguous manor, If we are asked how we are doing and we happen to be having a great day we will reply "I feel wonderful" or something like that. In our society ambiguity is used for a more selfish purpose like when we just don't feel like expressing ourselves to the fullest, like if we have had a bad day or we just don't want to talk we will reply with "meh" or "ok" we don't act ambiguous to be polite we do it because it is easier and conveys a sense of disinterest in the conversation.

Amai Pg.13 "Japanese people, too, have their own opinions, but they tend to wait their turn and speak out. If they completely disagree with a speaker, they will usually listen with an air of acceptance at first, then disagree in a rather vague and roundabout way." (Pg. 13)

The same is not true for American society, we are very impatient and self confident and if we believe we are right we will not hesitate to voice that opinion as soon as possible. This often brings about conflict but this is common for our society and wont usually destroy a relationship or friendship.

Uchi to Soto Pg. 217 " The Japanese generally call people from other countries gaijin no matter how long they have lived in Japan or how well they speak the Japanese language."

The same is true for many countries around the world, people like to ally themselves with people they are more familiar with such as their own country men. The same can be said about America but the lines begin to blur here. America is a country of immigrants, we are the great melting pot of cultures and we have embraced people from all countries who have chosen to live hear, That's not true for all Americans but the vast majority are tolerant.

Uchi to Soto Pg.217 " The Japanese clearly distinguish insiders from outsiders in daily life, depending on whether the others belong to a uchi or soto group." (Pg. 217)

Americans are familiar with the idea of "inside and outside" groups in our daily lives. We stick together with our families and identify with our groups we want to be apart of, like schools or sports teams. Those ideas are not so different.

Danjyo kankei Pg 66 "In contrast to most women, many single men think of marriage as a social duty, one which they can gain the trust of others, take social responsibility, or meet their parents' expectations." (Pg. 66)

As a single American male i can identify with some the feelings expressed in the quote. The idea that being married gains you a certain amount of trust makes some sense, it establishes a certain level of credibility because they have some experience that comes from being married. And it is easy to understand the idea of wanting to meet your parents expectations (especially if they want grand children).

Danjyo kankei Pg 67 "From the standpoint of emotional expression between husbands and wives, the Japanese rarely show overt affection to each other, nor do they often speak well of their spouses in public." (Pg. 67)

The same is not true in American society, most couples will show their affection by holding hands, hugging and kissing each other in public. This is a very common thing in America. And as far as i have experienced husbands and wives love to brag about how great their partners are to their friends and family, (or how terrible their partners are if that is the case).

Chinmoku Pg. 52 "The Japanese have long treated silence as a kind of virtue similar to "truthfulness."." (Pg. 52)

In America the concept of silence is much different than what it is in Japan. In Japan it may convey a sense of truthfulness but in America we usually interpret silence as a way to buy time to think out a way to counter an argument or when we have been defeated in an argument we turn silent because we have nothing left to say.

Chinmoku Pg 52-53 "Another reason why the Japanese often become silent among other people is group consciousness, which is symbolized by the saying "the nail that sticks out will get hammered down."." (Pg. 52-53)

In America we are less concerned with the idea of the group conscious and more concerned with ourselves we want what is best for us so we will speak out whenever we need to in an attempt to achieve our goals. This is best symbolized by the saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease".