Different Games, Different Rules: Why Americans and Japanese Misunderstand Each Other / Edition 1

by Haru Yamada

Overview

Japan and the United States are in closer contact politically and economically than ever before, yet in many ways our nations are as far from mutual understanding as ever. Misconceptions and miscommunications between East and West continue to playue this important relationship, frustrating the best efforts of both cultures to work together.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900195154855
Publication date:	04/11/2002
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Haru Yamada is Senior Lecturer of Linguistics at the University of Westminster, London. She is the author of American and Japanese Business Discourse: A Comparison of Interactional Styles and a number of articles on international communication.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Deborah TannenA Few Notes on the Text1.. Two Stories, Two Games2.. Communication Equipment3.. Speak for Yourself, Listen to Others4.. Taking Care of Business5.. Open for Business6.. Scoring Points7.. Support Network8.. The Truth about Teasing, Praising, and Repeating9.. Role Models: Working Man, Nurturing Mother10.. You Are What You SpeakNotesReferencesIndex

Editorial Reviews

"Different Games, Different Rules is an insightful analysis of why Japanese and Americans, despite the best of intentions, often misunderstand each other. In easy-to-understand prose and with clear examples, Dr. Haru Yamada illustrates the mutual assumptions, the unconscious strategies, as well as the different mechanics of the two languages that form the barriers to better communication. In showing us ways to improve communication with each other, she also provides a key to improved understanding of ourselves. Informative and immediately useful for any person involved in Japanese-U.S. dealings."—Norio Ohga, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation

"Yamada makes clear the close connection between a country's culture and its language and how cultural differences can create misunderstanding and mistrust during negotiations between companies and countries. This insightful and very useful book should be required reading for government officials and corporate executives in both Japan and the United States."—Tatsuro Toyoda, former President and current senior Advisor, Member of the Board, Toyta Motor Corporation

"Many others have offered analysis, opinion, and advice on this complex subject, but none have shed more light."—Walter G. Hoadley, Executive Vice President, Bank of America

"Dr. Yamada offers an engaging analysis of the differences between American and Japanese communication styles. Rich in insights on navigating the minefield of cross-cultural communication." —Y. Kobayashi, Chairman, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.

From the Publisher