Open Access Article Intercultural Communication

Cultural Differences in Conversational Strategies-Japanese and American University Students

Linda Viswat (1) , Junko Kobayashi (2)
1. Otemon Gakuin University, Japan
2. Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v8i3.471

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Issue
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2008)
Submitted
2006 August 24
Published
2008 September 30
Keywords:
    cultural differences, onversational strategies, expectations in conversation, empathic ability, differing views
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Abstract

This paper deals with cultural differences in conversational strategies between Japanese and American university students. Based upon a questionnaire distributed to 106 Japanese students with intermediate English proficiency and 97 American students, the paper examines specific problems caused by the differences in expectations, and identifies several culturally held values. At the same time, it also mentions individual differences in empathic ability, and suggests that people with intercultural or life experiences pass through perceptual changes over time. Then, it explores possible educational programs to help both Japanese and American students become aware of each other’s differing views and make adjustments to their conversational strategies so as to meet the other person’s expectations.

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References

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Authors

Linda Viswat
viswat@res.otemon.ac.jp (Primary Contact)
Junko Kobayashi
Author Biographies

Linda Viswat

Linda Viswat is a professor at Otemon Gakuin University where she teaches courses in intercultural communication. Her research has focused on sojourner adjustment, learning strategies of Japanese university students, motivation, and the development of a learning community.

Junko Kobayashi

Junko Kobayashi is an associate professor at Kansai Gaidai University, Japan. She is the author of six English textbooks on intercultural communication.

Viswat, L., & Kobayashi, J. (2008). Cultural Differences in Conversational Strategies-Japanese and American University Students. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 8(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v8i3.471
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Copyright (c) 2008 Linda Viswat, Junko Kobayashi

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How to Cite

Viswat, L., & Kobayashi, J. (2008). Cultural Differences in Conversational Strategies-Japanese and American University Students. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 8(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v8i3.471

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