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Basic Japanese
Browse practical guides tagged "Basic Japanese" for navigating life in Japan.
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11 articles
Context-Specific Communication Styles in Japan
Hub for foreign residents: how Japanese talk tends to shift across work, social life, school, family, and counters. Tendencies, not laws.
Practical Communication Strategies for Foreigners in Japan
HowTo for foreign residents: closed questions, face-saving declines, and a short written follow-up. What works still depends on the room.
The Cultural Roots of Japanese Communication
For foreign residents: geography, rank, Confucian/Buddhist/Shinto language, and honorifics as background—not laws. High- vs low-context theory lives in another article.
Essential Phrases for Japanese Communication
Phrase list for foreign residents: checks, softeners, workplace greetings, and repairs. Meaning and fitness for the room differ.
Japanese Communication FAQ
Cross-cutting FAQ for foreign residents: what “yes” can mean, silence, directness at work, and whether being a foreigner is a pass.
Key Concepts in Japanese Communication
For foreign residents: honne and tatemae, reading the air, sasshi, and enryo as labels for scenes—not laws. Theory lives in another article.
Non-Verbal Communication in Japan
For foreign residents: silence, smiles, nods, and distance as common readings—with mix-ups. The body is not always more true than the words.
Verbal Patterns in Japanese Communication
For foreign residents: hedges, politeness shifts, and backchannels as spoken patterns—not a lookup table. Soft-no readings have exceptions.
High-Context vs. Low-Context: The Foundation of Japanese Communication
Understand how high-context communication in Japan differs from explicit Western styles, and learn to read silence, indirect refusals, and non-verbal cues.
Convenience Store Guide: Essential Tips for Shopping in Japan
Navigate Japanese convenience stores like a pro with this complete guide to conbini culture, payment methods, and essential services for foreigners.
Reading Between the Lines: Understanding Japanese Communication Styles
Master the subtle art of Japanese communication with insights into high-context culture, non-verbal cues, and the concepts of honne/tatemae, helping foreigners navigate social interactions in Japan.
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