Spring 2009
Culture Clash
Cultural difference are encountered by many who live outside their own country. Here Mariko explores how eye contact differs here in America as compared to her native country of Japan.
Diversity. What is it?
By Mariko
International students, including me, have more or less experienced cultural differences in the process of adapting to a new culture. Small cultural differences are often enjoyable as we can easily adapt to or accept them. However, regardless of our willingness to adapt to new environments, huge cultural differences sometimes stand in our way.
Eye contact is one difference that l found huge between Japanese and American cultures. Having lived in Japan, I did not think that the Japanese style of eye contact could cause misunderstanding in communicating with other nationalities. In America, it is often said that the Japanese tend to avoid making eye contact during conversation. In comparison with other nationalities, especially Americans, this observation is probably true. The Japanese consider making direct eye contact as rude and a form of a challenge to others. On the contrary, Americans almost always think making direct eye contact plays an important role in showing intimacy and self-confidence.
Given these differences, even Japanese who speak fluent English may still invite misunderstanding due to lack of eye contact. I think this is a serious issue between Japanese and other nationalities in communicating with one another. Therefore, I wanted to figure out why it is that Japanese hesitate to make eye contact while Americans positively do so.
Why do Japanese avoid eye contact? The answer may lie in Japanese history. Until just 130 years ago, when the door opened for Japan to the outside world, Japan had strict hierarchy system, especially during the Edo period (1600-1867). This system was deeply absorbed in every aspect of Japanese society. Commoners were forbidden to speak with the samurai warrior class for example. Not only was eye contact with people of higher social status considered rude, it could cost the offender one's life.
Even though this system ended 130 years ago, this psychological and emotional impact on the Japanese mind remains. Japanese are still unconsciously avoiding making eye contact to show their respect and politeness.
What about Americans? Americans children are raised in a society with democratic ideals, where individual opinions are greatly valued. Direct eye contact is considered as a proof of self confidence and trust, and has traditionally been a good thing. In America, avoidance of eye contact is taken as disinterest in what is being said. At worst, it is taken as a disrespect or a sign of lack of self- confidence.
As I now live in America, I still have difficulty to convert my custom to adapt to American ones. Making eye contact, which I had been discouraged to do in Japan, is a positive or even necessary thing to do in America. I bring up this subject here because for international students, who have great opportunities to meet various people, it is good to know other country's cultural mores, which may differ from their own. In addition, knowing and understanding other cultures may also allow us to compromise with each other at a time of misunderstanding or misinterpretation.
More articles
