ibunka TB_U1

1 Introducing Yourself

One Step Further ACTIVITIES

Here are some more responses from the Ibunka Survey on the topic of self-introductions. Let’s examine them for underlying cultural trends. We can see that the language in many responses hints at two basic patterns.

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SURVEY

LOOKING FOR PATTERNS

CULTURAL PATTERN A: Blend in In this cultural pattern, some people have a tendency to speak about things they have in common with others. Introductions are rather formal and standardized. When introducing themselves, people tend to downplay their strengths and qualities. It is common WR KHDS SUDLVH RQ RWKHUV DQG WR GHȵHFW RU HYHQ UHMHFW the praise directed at oneself or one’s family.

CULTURAL PATTERN B: Emphasize uniqueness In this cultural pattern, when introducing themselves, people have a tendency to focus on what makes them VSHFLDO RU GL΍HUHQW Attitudes towards self-praise are varied, with people LQ VRPH FXOWXUHV EHLQJ PRUH DVVHUWLYH WKDQ RWKHUV However, speaking positively about one’s own family LV JHQHUDOO\ DFFHSWHG

Read through the Ibunka Survey responses below. Highlight in one color the words and phrases that hint at Cultural Pattern A: Blend in, and in another color the parts that suggest Cultural Pattern B: Emphasize uniqueness. You can work and discuss this in pairs or small groups.

Here in Japan, I've always found it remarkable how formal the greetings seem. Folks are bowing and using all these MTSTWNƳH UMWFXJX . It's kind of interesting. I prefer a QFNI GFHP casual approach. $PHULFDQ PDOH SURIHVVRU OLYHV LQ -DSDQ 1 In Japan I found introductions felt more formal, or sometimes rigid, than in the US, where it tends to be very casual almost from the beginning (depending on the situation and players involved). $PHULFDQ PDOH MRXUQDOLVW KDV OLYHG LQ -DSDQ 2 I noticed that Japanese people like to mention their age when introducing themselves. They also sometimes mention their blood type! 6ZLVV PDOH SURJUDPPHU OLYHV LQ -DSDQ 3 When I was living in the US, I used to explain more about myself from the beginning, to RFYHM YMJ FYRTXUMJWJ FWTZSI RJ (TRUFWJI YT /FUFSJXJ UJTUQJ . YMNSP &RJWNHFSX UQFHJ RTWJ importance on asserting individuality. Living in a foreign country, I found out that I didn't know much about myself. Since then, I have come to know myself better. Also, I think that in Japan, we tend not to tell people about ourselves in a good way, for fear of appearing boastful. -DSDQHVH IHPDOH RɝFH ZRUNHU KDV OLYHG LQ WKH 86 4 In Japan, my Japanese language ability has often been complimented, even if I only said "Hajimemashite" or "Watashi no namae wa ~ desu", and even when I was a total beginner. I found it a bit annoying at the beginning, but now that I am used to it, I just respond with a “Thank you!”. More tiresome are comments on appearance like 'You have a big nose' or 'You have such long legs'. These are comments that would be taken as outright impoliteness in France, especially coming from strangers. It makes one feel TGOJHYNƳJI and not respected. It is sort of like when people here in Japan see a cat and exclaim "kawaii!". I am not a cat. )UHQFK PDOH WHDFKHU OLYHV LQ -DSDQ 5

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