ibunka TB_U1

5 Émilie , French, accountant, lives in Japan But in Japan, I have the impression that people are more interested in those who blend in. When I introduce myself by saying something very bland, they show their interest by asking questions. So I understand now that the strategies that helped me to “fade into the background” in France have the opposite effect here in Japan. And on the contrary, when I try to attract attention by emphasizing my uniqueness, I get very few questions in return. I never realized this difference before I took this survey!

TRUE FALSE

→ El milie discovered that Japanese and French cultures have very similar styles of self-introduction. □

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Answers to COMPREHENSION 2 (textbook p.12)

Example Sentences for DISCUSSION (textbook p.12) • I found El milie’s response to be the most surprising. In France she says very basic things so that people leave her alone, but in Japan this strategy makes people ask her more questions. This difference was very interesting to me. • I found Catriona’s response to be the most relatable. She said that she usually downplays her strengths, and, like many Japanese, I do that too. I was quite surprised that people in England and Japan are similar like this, because I always thought that westerners generally boast more than Japanese people do. 8 Jane , New Zealander, teacher, lives in Japan In my work as a teacher, I have noticed that some of my Japanese students tend to describe themselves as “incompetent” and to choose a level that is too low for their actual abilities. One of my students, who is very bright, sometimes makes mistakes on purpose so as not to stand out from the group. 6 Catriona, British, writer, lives in Japan Having been raised in England, I tend to downplay any strengths I might have. I think this is a cultural trait. In British culture, one cannot appear to boast . If I say I am not clever, or not good at something, then I can take it off the table as a topic and no one can criticize me or make fun of me. 7 Jane , New Zealander, teacher, lives in Japan I don't hesitate to talk about my abilities to a Westerner I have just met, but I avoid doing it when speaking with Japanese people. I guess that’s because it can be interpreted as arrogance, and harm both professional and friendly relationships.

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UNIT 1 | COMPREHENSION & DISCUSSION