491 日本人の話し方の特徴６つ！#日本語ポッドキャスト

Summary

In this podcast episode, Leila discusses six key aspects of Japanese conversation styles, often comparing them to her experiences with her British boyfriend. She highlights the Japanese tendency to avoid interrupting others, use frequent interjections (aizuchi), refrain from exaggerated expressions, and switch between polite and casual language depending on the situation. She also explains the cultural practice of modesty when speaking to elders and the reluctance to give direct negative responses. Through these insights, Leila provides a fascinating look into the cultural nuances of Japanese communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japanese people typically avoid interrupting conversations. They wait for the other person to finish speaking before sharing their thoughts.
• 😀 Japanese conversations often include a lot of backchanneling (e.g., 'uh-huh', 'mmm', 'I see'). While this is common, the speaker may not always enjoy it.
• 😀 In Japan, exaggerated expressions (e.g., 'I waited for hours') are avoided. Instead, people stick to more accurate descriptions, like saying they waited 10 minutes.
• 😀 Japanese people distinguish between formal and casual speech, using honorifics and polite forms at work or with elders, and casual language with friends.
• 😀 When speaking in formal or respectful situations, Japanese people remove regional accents to maintain a neutral, standard language.
• 😀 Japanese people often humble themselves when speaking with someone older or of higher status. For example, saying they are 'still learning' or 'not good enough' is common.
• 😀 In Japan, people avoid saying direct negative words like 'no' or 'can't'. Instead, they use softer phrases like 'that's difficult' or 'that's a bit tough'.
• 😀 The concept of 'Unspoken Rules' (暗黙の了解) is key in Japanese culture. It refers to understanding social norms without explicitly stating them.
• 😀 The speaker, while acknowledging cultural differences, points out how their British boyfriend sometimes expresses things in exaggerated ways, such as saying he waited for ages.
• 😀 The speaker shares a personal observation that Japanese people generally maintain harmony in conversations, and are reluctant to cause discomfort by being too direct.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the podcast episode?

The podcast episode focuses on discussing the unique features of Japanese communication, comparing it with other cultures, especially through the host's observations of interactions with her British boyfriend.

How do Japanese people approach interrupting others during a conversation?

Japanese people generally avoid interrupting others while they are speaking. They tend to wait for the other person to finish their thought before contributing to the conversation.

What is 'aizuchi' and how is it used in Japanese conversation?

'Aizuchi' refers to verbal responses like 'uh-huh' or 'I see' that are used while someone else is speaking. It is a common feature in Japanese conversations, showing active listening, though the host personally finds it distracting.

How do Japanese people express exaggerations compared to English speakers?

Japanese people tend to avoid exaggerated expressions. For example, when talking about waiting in a line, they might simply say it took 'a long time,' whereas English speakers might say, 'It took ages,' which can exaggerate the actual time.

What is the significance of using honorifics, respectful, and casual language in Japanese?

In Japan, the use of honorifics, respectful speech, and casual language depends on the context and the relationship between speakers. For formal situations, polite language is used, while casual language is appropriate for friends and close relations.

What cultural phenomenon happens when Japanese people speak respectfully?

When using respectful speech, Japanese people often adjust their accent to standard Japanese, making it harder to detect their regional origin. This highlights the importance of respect in language and how it influences speech patterns.

What is the concept of 'kenzon' (modesty) in Japanese communication?

In Japanese culture, 'kenzon' refers to modesty, where individuals downplay their own achievements or abilities, especially when speaking to someone older or in a higher position. It's a way of showing humility and respect.

How do Japanese people avoid saying 'no' directly?

Instead of saying 'no' directly, Japanese people often use softer expressions like 'That's a bit difficult' or 'That's tough.' This reflects the cultural tendency to avoid confrontation and preserve harmony.

What does the host find surprising about her British boyfriend's communication style?

The host finds her British boyfriend's tendency to interrupt conversations and exaggerate statements surprising, as these behaviors are not typical in Japanese communication.

What is 'anmokuno ryoukai' (tacit understanding) in Japanese culture?

'Anmokuno ryoukai' refers to an unspoken rule or mutual understanding that everyone knows, even if it is never explicitly stated. It governs behaviors like avoiding direct negativity or confrontation in conversations.