[ozkai]

Originally Posted by Debi

ozkai was saying that japaneses always seems to listen and think about what you are saying, which is not more true than any other cultures.

You say japaneses are good with japanese communication but bad at westerner(english) communication.
We could say that english are good with english communication but bad at japanese comm.

I think it is more true than other cultures.

Now having a Korean partner and dealing with her friends over for dinners, I can tell you that their listening skills are terrible.

Australian friends, it really depends on who, as many of my friends are totally different. No "rule" of thumb as far as listening goes, and the "Yeah-Yeah" thing to me is a poor sign of listening. For a start, it's not even a correct English word!

Now If I was to have a group of Japanese friends over, the conversation would feel totally different and their would be a strong feeling of understanding and warmth in the air. The communication just feels "right", I don't care if it is on the outside or in, it works and feels comfortable for all.

Nothing against anything here, but I do admire and envy Japanese and the way they communicate.

My only disagreement is that I do think most Japanese communicate well in English with non Japanese, and that includes broken English.

Japanese more often than not come accross extremely well and polite, even with limited English vocabulary. They will usually appear very conscious of their surroundings, and will respond likewise with utmost respect and consideration treading very cautiously in what they say, how they respond and that definitely shows to the native listener.

Their are a few differences, one being why the cleaners at Cairns airport cannot understand why the men will always place a piece of paper towel of the exit door handle of the rest room.
I mean it's previous damn obvious isn't it..

I go to a few local Japanese restaurants here twice a week, sometimes with Japanese friends and I enjoy evrything Japanese.

Cairns is a small tourist place, also popular for students and working holiday visa makers from Japan, although we now have a fairly healthy Japanese population which I think will keep increasing.

Just around the corner we have a Japanese Juku.

Go to the main city ANZ bank here, four Japanese girls, three Koreans, and two Aussie staff ratio..

One thing that all my Korean and Japanese friends say is that they are amazed how well I fit in with Asian culture, although I believe in most ways that my communciation actions and style were learnt from Japan as beforehand, I was a typical Aussie surfer that just did not listen or understand properly.

Don't get me wrong here..

I'm in no way a die hard "I want to be Japanese person", but rather, a respecting Australian observer that envy the culture.

I had an Aussie friend in Japan, and if you ask me, he lost the plot staying their forever with his wife who was also Japanese, and he was just a nice quiet guy who I guess felt popular in Japan and was willing to adopt the culture.

I would not do that and I am Aussie born, although not 100% bred with British parents.

I come from both sides of the fence, and can now be respecting for my son who is a touch of all

Hope all this makes sense.