具体描述
This proficiency-oriented introductory Japanese program emphasizes practical communication, the development of all four language skills, student interaction, and cultural awareness. "Nakama 1" consists of 12 chapters, and "Nakama 2" consists of a review chapter, plus 10 additional chapters. Both volumes feature thematically organized chapters that focus on high-frequency communicative situations and introduce students to the Japanese language and its three writing systems: "hiragana, katakana," and "kanji.""Hiragana" (in Chapters 1-3 of "Nakama 1") and "katakana" (in Chapters 4-6 of "Nakama 1") are introduced through unique mnemonic devices that help students learn the characters. Ninety "kanji" characters are introduced in Chapters 7-12 of "Nakama 1," and approximately 290 Kanji are presented in Chapters 1-10 of "Nakama 2," with stroke-by-stroke writing techniques.A series of specially created "manga" precede each chapter dialogue and serve as visual advanced organizers.Chapter dialogues present a lively, continuous story line that illustrate typical daily events in Japanese life and provide a realistic context in which to learn vocabulary and grammatical structures.Exercises progress from directed practice to a wide range of open-ended communicative activities that emphasize pair and group work.Reading, writing, and speaking strategies are presented and practiced throughout the program to help develop students' language proficiency. The Houghton Mifflin Japanese Web Site provides additional materials for students and instructors, including links to relevant Internet sites and to a text-specific site developed by the co-authors, Kazumi Hatasa and Yukiko Abe Hatasa.
Japanese Communication, Culture and Context: A Deep Dive into Interpersonal Dynamics This comprehensive volume offers a nuanced exploration of the intricate tapestry of communication within Japanese society, delving into the fundamental principles that shape interpersonal interactions. Moving beyond superficial observations, it unpacks the profound influence of cultural values, social hierarchies, and historical underpinnings on how individuals express themselves, interpret messages, and build relationships. Understanding the Pillars of Japanese Communication: At its core, Japanese communication is deeply rooted in a collectivist ethos, where group harmony and the avoidance of direct confrontation often take precedence over individual expression. This foundational principle manifests in a variety of communication strategies, including: High-Context Communication: Unlike low-context cultures that rely heavily on explicit verbal messages, Japanese communication is largely high-context. This means that a significant portion of the meaning is conveyed through unspoken cues, shared understanding, situational awareness, and non-verbal signals. The listener is expected to infer meaning, read between the lines, and understand the implicit context of the conversation. This can include: Non-Verbal Cues: Body language, facial expressions, eye contact (or lack thereof), posture, and gestures play a crucial role in conveying emotions, intentions, and social cues. A subtle nod, a brief glance, or a slight shift in posture can communicate volumes. Silence (Ma - 間): Silence is not merely an absence of speech but a potent communicative tool in Japan. It can signify agreement, disagreement, contemplation, respect, or even a deliberate avoidance of expressing a potentially disruptive opinion. Understanding the appropriate use and interpretation of silence is paramount. Ambiguity and Indirectness (Aimai - 曖昧): Japanese communication often employs ambiguity and indirectness to maintain harmony and avoid causing offense. Direct "no" is frequently avoided, with preferred expressions being more circuitous or implying a negative response through softer language. This necessitates careful listening for subtle cues and understanding the nuances of politeness. Hierarchy and Respect (Keigo - 敬語): Social hierarchy significantly impacts communication patterns in Japan. The use of honorific language, or keigo, is a complex system of linguistic politeness that reflects the speaker's relationship to the listener based on age, status, and formality of the situation. Mastery of keigo is essential for navigating social interactions appropriately and demonstrates respect and awareness of social standing. This includes: Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Humble language used to elevate the status of the person being spoken to. Kenjōgo (謙譲語): Humble language used to lower the speaker's status in relation to the listener. Teineigo (丁寧語): Polite language that adds politeness markers to verbs and adjectives, used in general polite conversation. Group Orientation and Consensus Building: The emphasis on group harmony influences how decisions are made and opinions are expressed. Communication within groups often aims to reach a consensus (nemawashi - 根回し), a process of informal consultation and consensus-building that occurs before formal meetings. This proactive approach ensures that potential objections are addressed early on, fostering smoother decision-making and a sense of shared responsibility. Exploring the Cultural Landscape: The book delves into how broader cultural concepts shape these communication practices: Wa (和 - Harmony): The pervasive value of harmony influences communication by encouraging politeness, consideration for others' feelings, and the avoidance of conflict. This can lead to a focus on maintaining positive relationships and preserving social cohesion, even at the expense of directness. Uchi (内 - Inside) and Soto (外 - Outside): This concept distinguishes between "in-group" members and "out-group" members. Communication patterns often vary depending on whether one is interacting with family, close friends, colleagues within one's company, or individuals outside this inner circle. Different levels of formality and directness are employed accordingly. Gaman (我慢 - Endurance/Perseverance): The cultural ideal of enduring hardship or discomfort with stoicism influences how emotions are expressed. Overt displays of strong emotions, particularly negative ones, may be restrained in favor of maintaining composure and demonstrating resilience. Hon'ne (本音 - True Feelings) and Tatemae (建前 - Facade/Public Face): This duality highlights the difference between one's genuine thoughts and feelings (hon'ne) and the behavior or opinions one presents to the public or within specific social contexts (tatemae). Understanding this distinction is crucial for interpreting Japanese communication accurately, as individuals may express a tatemae that differs from their true hon'ne to maintain social harmony or politeness. Practical Applications and Nuances: The volume offers practical insights for navigating various communicative situations in Japan, including: Business Etiquette: Understanding appropriate greetings, the importance of business card exchange (meishi koukan - 名刺交換), meeting protocols, and the nuances of negotiation within a Japanese business context. Interpersonal Relationships: Building rapport, expressing gratitude, apologizing, and offering condolences in a culturally sensitive manner. Everyday Interactions: Navigating public spaces, making requests, and engaging in casual conversations with an awareness of Japanese social norms. This detailed exploration provides readers with a robust framework for understanding the complexities of Japanese communication, equipping them with the knowledge and cultural sensitivity necessary to engage effectively and respectfully with Japanese people across a wide range of contexts.
