Diese Arbeit untersucht nonverbale Kommunikation, genauer gesagt, Stille. "Silence and Pauses" nehmen unterschiedliche Stellenwerte in verschiedenen Kulturen ein und können so eine Barriere in der interkulturellen Kommunikation darstellen. Hier wird speziell der Gebrauch von Pausen in japanischer und anglo-amerikanischer Kommunikation betrachtet, wobei auf unterschiedlichen Einsatz, Länge und Deutung von Pausen fokusiert wird. Zuletzt folgt eine Diskussion zu den Konsequenzen und Problemen, die abweichende kulturelle Definitionen von Stille mit sich bringen können.
This paper examines nonverbal communication, more precisely, silence. "Silence and pauses" can take on different roles and meanings in various cultures, thus creating barriers in intercultural communication. The focus of this paper is on the use of silence in Japan and Anglo-culture, taking a closer look at different usage, length and interpretation of pauses. Lastly, consequences and problems which might emerge due to the varying cultural definitions of silence are discussed.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The cross-cultural meanings of silence
- 2.1 The meaning of silence in Japanese culture
- 2.2 The meaning of silence in Anglo-culture
- 3. The intercultural role of silence
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the cultural variations in the meaning and function of silence, specifically comparing Japanese and Anglo-cultures. It investigates how silence is used and interpreted within each culture and the potential for misunderstanding in intercultural communication.
- The diverse meanings of silence across cultures.
- Cultural interpretations of silence in Japanese society.
- Cultural interpretations of silence in Anglo-culture.
- The role of silence in intercultural communication.
- Consequences of intercultural misinterpretations of silence.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the significance of silence as a form of nonverbal communication. It highlights the inherent ambiguity of silence, emphasizing its culturally contingent meanings and functions. The chapter introduces the contrasting cultural perspectives on silence in Japanese and Anglo-cultures, framing the "silent Asian" versus "eloquent West" dichotomy as a starting point for further investigation. It outlines the paper's objective: to analyze the cultural nuances of silence in these two distinct cultural contexts and explore the implications for intercultural communication. The chapter concludes by briefly mentioning key studies that will inform the subsequent analysis, setting the stage for a deeper examination of silence as a multifaceted communicative tool.
2. The cross-cultural meanings of silence: This chapter delves into the diverse meanings attributed to silence across cultures. It highlights the universality of silence as a phenomenon while emphasizing its culturally specific interpretations. The chapter draws on existing research to contrast the perceived value of silence in Eastern and Western societies. Eastern societies, including Japan, China, and India, are presented as placing a higher value on silence, associating it with qualities like respect, wisdom, and interpersonal sensitivity. In contrast, Western societies are characterized as viewing silence more negatively, often interpreting it as a lack of engagement or initiative. This section sets the groundwork for a comparative analysis of silence in Japanese and Anglo-cultures, focusing on how cultural contexts shape the meaning and function of this nonverbal communicative act.
2.1 The meaning of silence in Japanese culture: This section focuses on Nakane's research on silence in Japanese high school classrooms. Nakane's study, although limited in its scope and methodological rigor, provides valuable insights into the communicative dynamics of Japanese classrooms, highlighting the preference for written communication over verbal interaction. The findings suggest that silence in these contexts doesn't necessarily signify disengagement but rather reflects a specific cultural approach to learning and communication. This analysis contrasts with common stereotypes of Eastern silence, providing a more nuanced understanding of its role in Japanese educational settings. The limitations of Nakane's study are acknowledged while highlighting its significance as a unique contribution to the understanding of silence within Japanese culture.
Keywords
Silence, nonverbal communication, intercultural communication, Japan, Anglo-culture, cultural differences, communication styles, cross-cultural understanding, miscommunication, classroom communication.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This language preview focuses on the cross-cultural meanings and functions of silence, specifically comparing and contrasting its interpretations in Japanese and Anglo-cultures. It explores how cultural context shapes the understanding and use of silence in communication, and the potential for misunderstandings in intercultural interactions.
What are the key themes explored in the preview?
The key themes include the diverse meanings of silence across cultures; cultural interpretations of silence in Japanese and Anglo societies; the role of silence in intercultural communication; and the consequences of misinterpretations of silence in intercultural settings. The preview also addresses the "silent Asian" versus "eloquent West" dichotomy, challenging simplistic generalizations.
What is the objective of the research presented in this preview?
The research aims to analyze the cultural nuances of silence in Japanese and Anglo-cultures and to explore the implications of these cultural differences for intercultural communication. It seeks to move beyond stereotypes and provide a more nuanced understanding of silence as a multifaceted communicative tool.
What specific cultures are compared in the preview?
The preview primarily compares and contrasts the cultural interpretations and uses of silence in Japanese and Anglo-cultures.
What chapters are included in the full text (as previewed here)?
The preview includes summaries of an introduction, a chapter on the cross-cultural meanings of silence, a sub-chapter focusing on the meaning of silence in Japanese culture, and a section on keywords.
What is the significance of Nakane's research, as mentioned in the preview?
Nakane's research, while acknowledged to have limitations in scope and methodology, offers valuable insights into the communicative dynamics of Japanese classrooms. It suggests that silence in these settings may not always represent disengagement but can reflect a culturally specific approach to learning and communication, thereby challenging common stereotypes about Eastern silence.
What are some of the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include silence, nonverbal communication, intercultural communication, Japan, Anglo-culture, cultural differences, communication styles, cross-cultural understanding, miscommunication, and classroom communication.
What is the overall approach taken in analyzing the topic of silence?
The preview takes a comparative and culturally sensitive approach, acknowledging the universality of silence as a phenomenon while emphasizing the importance of culturally specific interpretations. It aims to avoid generalizations and provide a nuanced understanding of silence's role in communication across different cultural contexts.
For whom is this language preview intended?
This language preview is intended for academic use, facilitating the analysis of themes related to cross-cultural communication and the interpretation of nonverbal cues, specifically silence.
Where can I find the full text?
The preview does not specify where to find the full text, but it is implied that the full text is available elsewhere for academic purposes.
- Citar trabajo
- Sophia Gundlach (Autor), 2010, The Meaning of Silence in Japan and Anglo-Culture, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/213442
