This book is the first to provide a summary of the state of knowledge about communication in Japan and the United States. Included is an overview of the major approaches used in the study of communication in these two countries, an overview of the major cultural factors influencing communication, a description of the sociolinguistic differences between English and Japanese, an examination of Japanese-American communication as a function of the cultural values learned from the two cultures, and a summary of research comparing interpersonal research in Japan and the United States, as well as research on intercultural communication between Japanese and North Americans. The book also examines communication in organizational contexts in Japan and the United States and describes differences in mass communication between the two cultures.

This book provides a practical set of guidelines for people wishing to communicate professionally in Japan, following the model of the similar book by Kelm and Victor on Brazil. Good communication requires more than knowing the language. Haru Yamada, Orlando Kelm, and David Victor, seasoned cross-cultural trainers for businesspeople, provide a guide through Victor's LESCANT model (Language, Environment, Social Organization, Context, Authority, Nonverbal, and Time). Each chapter addresses one of these topics and demonstrates how to evaluate the differences between Japan and North America, presenting examples to help people avoid common communication mistakes. The book is generously peppered with photographs to provide visual examples. The authors complete the book with a case study chapter on a business interaction between Japanese and North Americans (NA). They then gathered comments from various NA professionals working in Japan and Japanese working with US professionals about the interactions in the case, providing helpful observations about the situation. The book straddles some language and communication topics, international relations, and reaches into the business community, a strong academic program at GU, presenting us with a new opportunity to reach a wider audience.

[William B. Gudykunst and Tsukasa Nishida] synthesize a mass of information on intercultural communication theory and similarities and differences in communication patterns in the United States and Japan. Numerous excerpts, notes, and about 220 references attest to the comprehensiveness Gudykunst and Nishida seek. . . . This is an important guide for effective cross-cultural communication between the Japanese and North Americans, meticulously organized, thoroughly researched, and simply stated. Upper-division undergraduate and above. --Choice More than language skills are needed for a North American to effectively communicate with a Japanese. Comprehensive in its approach, Bridging Japanese/North American Differences applies Gudykunst′s world-renowned intercultural communication method to the specifics of Japanese/North American communication. William B. Gudykunst and Nishida first provide an overview of the various fundamental intercultural communication theories and then explain the similarities and differences between communication patterns in Japan and the United States. Next, they demonstrate how understanding the similarities and differences can help Japanese and North Americans communicate more effectively. By examining such areas as attitudes and stereotypes, the authors suggest ways to heighten understanding of Japanese behavior. They conclude by examining the factors that influence motivation, knowledge, and skills to increase communication effectiveness. The ideal volume for any North American interested in improving his or her ability to communicate with a Japanese colleague, friend, student, or business associate, Bridging Japanese/North American Differences is straightforward, practical, and easy to absorb.