Comparison in Cultures of Australia and Japan - Report Example

Major Comparisons in Key Culture Areas between Australia and Japan for a Exchange Program Inserts His/Her Inserts Grade Course Customer Inserts Tutor’s Name 15 October 2010 Abstract: Japan is a country with affluent history and culture. This is reflected in its arts, media and lifestyle. It also heads the world as a technological hub, and its creations are revered across the globe. It has an interdependent and a hierarchical society, where etiquettes are a part of everyday protocol. All this is at poles with Australia where an egalitarian society flourishes, and history and traditions do not carry much significance. Student exchange to Japan, hence, provides a vital learning experience to Australian students as they get a chance to learn a wholly diverse lifestyle in a different continent. Major Comparisons in Key Culture Areas between Australia and Japan for a Student Exchange Program Student exchange programs provide a great opportunity for the students to expand their academic and social parameters, and go beyond borders to gain knowledge, understanding and tolerance for other cultures and values. A typical stay of six to ten months in a new country with a completely different social circle may prove to be a life changing experience; practical insight is gained into the country’s history, society and lifestyle, and a new language is learnt- all this is apart from the routine academics (National Student Exchange, c.2007). Similarly in order to avail this auspicious chance completely, the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, is a promising destination. Being the world’s third largest economy and the chief technological hub of today (CIA Fact Book, 2010), Japan possesses a history of proud Samurais and an aesthetic civilization that dates back to 3000 B.C (Morton, Morton & Olenik, 2005, 301). This legacy has survived in modern times, and one can see their pursuit for creation and perfection in cuisines, arts, music technology and even personalities. Japanese are sensual by nature and their stimulation is provided by their traditional performing and contemplative arts, cultural festivals, costumes and foods. Kudo, the way of fragrance, and flower arrangement art called ikebana, are two of the many contributions of the country to the aesthetic world (Japan Zone, n.d.). Australians, on the other hand, are rather sombre, and focus on morality, politics and other serious issues troubling the world and society. Some Australians may criticise Japanese for being indifferent to the critical problems facing the world (Convict Creations, 2007). Their creativity is not only visible in puppet theatres, origami (paper folding art), woodblock painting, bonsai trees and the like, but they have also conquered the world of technology. Their sophisticated innovations and great animations are revered around the globe. The popularity of animes like Astro Boy, Hello Kitty and Bleach speak for Japanese success in this industry. Australians, despite creativity, have failed to flourish in realm of arts. This is because, in contrast to Japanese, they fail to take traditions, history and common likes and dislikes into account. As a result, the product fails to achieve common appreciation in movies, architecture, food or paintings. History, religion and cultural values can be seen in Japanese art. An example is Grudge; a movie based on traditional belief that souls do not rest and may come back to the world with negative emotions if their body is not given proper funeral after death (Convict Creation, 2007). All this shows the extent to which Japanese revere their historical beliefs. They are especially tolerant of foreigners and do not expect their full adherence to their traditions. Nevertheless, some research and practice into their ways beforehand shows one’s consideration and can earn one their respect and goodwill (Mente, 1996, 81). Japan is an interdependent and hierarchical society. People are addressed according to their status and class, so different verb stems are used to denote respect at different levels (Christopher, 1983, 40). Japanese, therefore, prefer to communicate discreetly rather than clearly speaking their minds, to avoid offending others and leaving room for open-ended interpretations. They, hence, rely on non-verbal communication to a good degree. As an Australian native, where an egalitarian society flourishes, one must adjust to this custom, as speaking evenly to a person of a higher class in Japan may well be considered offensive. For instance, when addressing elders, names must always be preceded by ‘San’, Japanese term for ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’. This is in contrast to Australian ways, where people of all ages may be addressed frankly with first names after meeting them the first time (Mente 1996, 80). In 1980, at a seminar in Japan aimed at discussing problems that Japanese people might face in Australia, speaker Hiro Mukai said (Convictcreations, c.2007): "Australians appear very naive to the newly-arrived Japanese. They speak the same way with everyone." Robert Seltman, professor of English as Foreign Language in Japan, has closely examined silent communication of Japanese students in class. In his paper submitted to School for International Training, Vermont, Seltman writes that contact between students and teacher is rare and role specific. Classes of strength as large as sixty in itself hinder verbal communication with teachers. A rich and subtle nonverbal vocabulary has emerged among the Japanese as a result (Seltman, 1991). The general public conduct in Japan is composed and amicable. Quarrelsome and impolite attitude is despised. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary contact and physical inconvenience to others, since Japan is a crowded country, people keep their hands and limbs close to their frame. When stretched out, they usually suggest meaning, such as the one handed salutation called ‘Sumimasen’ or ‘excuse me’ to apologize or cut between two people. Japanese are reluctant to confront anyone openly; the ambiguity in gestures delivers thoughts and criticism without accusing anyone specifically or causing displeasure. For example, ‘Tengu’ is a gesture that refers a person as a braggart, or an ‘oni’ is popularly conjured to indicate that someone is angry. Politeness and awareness of one’sr own as well as other people’s body movements is an essential element of being Japanese. Casual and laidback postures of Western people may be interpreted wrongly as self-conceitedness and aggressiveness, so one must be careful in making unnecessary gestures, body contact and movements (Seltman, 1991). One of the key traditional gestures in Japan is ‘Ojigi’ or bowing from the waist. This signifies respect and the extent of inclination represents the degree of respect given. Japanese are so accustomed to this non verbal gesture that they often bow unconsciously and unnecessarily; when talking on the phone or realizing that they have disappointed the other (Seltman, 1991). Ojigi may carry different meanings in different situations. It carries special significance in formal settings, like restaurants and offices; it may signal that one wants his presence to be acknowledged, thereby bringing the desired response in the other person (Mente, 1996, 84). Australians are not accustomed to such formalities, so it is better that they make themselves familiar to ojigi, and learn to practise it before leaving for Japan as exchange students. This is because showing esteem for others is an integral part of Japanese culture. Japanese tend to exploit loopholes in their well-established traditions and ethics when tempted to go against them, and justify their acts. For instance, gambling is deemed unethical when it involves money. To evade that, prizes are won in poker-like ‘pachinko’ parlors, which are then exchanged for money from the shops. Australians have a knack of exposing such loopholes in name of hypocrisy in society (Convict Creations 2007). This might cause a major clash in societies at moral levels. As an exchange change student however, one must be careful not to focus on finding faults in their ways. Exchange students typically stay at a host family’s house. In order to break ice with virtual strangers and show one’s gratitude for having one in their house, it is recommended that one takes along gifts as a token of kindness (Japan Life and Religion 2009). Photo albums are also a good item to take as it will not only help as a topic for conversation with host family when you cannot find one, but will illustrate more clearly about the country and oneself (Angel fire, 2004). A year’s stay in Japan to learn about its rich ways in simply insufficient. With its elevated traditional protocols and high esteem for the past, one must make sure not to contradict them and try to adapt to their ways. Although one will not be expected to abide to them fully as a foreigner, it will fulfill the objectives of learning as an exchange student, and show that one value their culture, hence developing a warm relationship with them. References: Angel fire (2004) Questions about being an exchange student in Japan [online] available from < http://www.angelfire.com/geek/tetrisnomiko/japan/japanquestions.html> [accessed 12 October 2010] Christopher, R. (1983) The Japanese Mind: the Goliath Explained New York: Linden Press/Simon & Schuster Convict Creations (2009) Cultural Differences between Australia and Japan [online] available from [accessed 12 October 2010] De Mmente, Boye. (1996) Japan Made Easy 2nd ed. Newyork: McGraw-Hill Professional. Japan Life and Religion (2009) Japan and non-verbal communication [online] available from < http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/03/16/japan-and-non-verbal-communication/ > [accessed 12 October 2010] Japan Zone (n.d.) Japanese Culture [online] available from [accessed 12 October 2010] Morton, W., Olenik, J., (2005) Japan: Its history and culture Newyork: McGraw-Hill Professional. National Student Exchange (c. 2007) [online] available from [accessed 12 October 2010] Seltman, R. (1991) JAPANESE BODY LANGUAGE: Non-Verbal Communication in the Classroom [online] available from [accessed 12 October 2010] Read More