ibunka TB_U10

Answers to COMPREHENSION 3 (textbook p.67)

8 Mariko, Japanese, editor, has lived in England There is a Japanese expression that goes, "A small kindness can incur a big debt for others" ( chisa na shinsetsu, ookina sewa ). I don't want to make trouble for another person, so I don't want to just thoughtlessly offer my help, and end up burdening them. I only offer help after carefully observing the other person’s needs. I am also cautious of offers of help from others, because sometimes their sympathy is only superficial.

TRUE FALSE

→ Mariko is hesitant to offer help to others because she doesn’t want them to feel pressure to repay it.

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9 Yoshi , Japanese, JICA overseas volunteer, has lived in Nepal In Japanese, there are euphemistic phrases used to politely turn down an offer of help, which might not be perceived as refusals by people outside of the culture. For example, "I'll consider it,” "That sounds OK,” or "That might be a good idea." I feel that this kind of language sometimes leads to misunderstandings when translated directly into English.

TRUE FALSE

→ According to Yoshi, refusals of help in Japanese are not as polite as they are in English.

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10 Juan , Mexican, teacher, lives in Japan I find that after spending an extended period of time in Japan I have come to apologize a lot when asking for favors or help, even when I speak my native language. It’s almost like a default setting of humility and politeness.

TRUE FALSE

→ Living in Japan has had an effect on the way Juan asks others for help.

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Extra Discussion Questions 1. What is the most “weighty” favor you have ever asked of someone? How did you ask for this favor? 2. Do you feel an obligation to send New Year’s cards? How about gifts or omiyage - do you usually return these to people who give them to you?

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UNIT 10 | COMPREHENSION