Carol Shenkenberger ---> Cindy Haglund AM 18.05.07
BETREFF: *Re: Japanese customs*

Hello Carol!

CH>> much considered necessary in Japan. It is well known that the Japanese
CH>> bow for greetings. The length and angle of bowing (either slightly or
CH>> deeply) can express your courtesy, but it will look very unnatural if
CH>> you bow too deep. Women usually put their hands in front of the body,
CH>> and men put them on the side of the body. Displays of affection like

CS> Yes, but it's got a protocol on depth not explained here.  The 'junior'
CS> must bow 'deeper'.  Very rarely is this reversed.

I am glad that the guest profesor from japan finally stopped bowing to me.  
The first time he was here and we met the corridor I just said "Moin
moin"  
and he grinned and bowed. It felt so ridiculous. We really have to train  
all japanese here to be "rude" (I mean... it is not rude, but I guess it  
must seem to them rude in the beginning). One of our japanese students  
here always got up from his seat whenenver someone entered the room. Not  
any longer. We ruin the manners of all japanese students.


CS> Displays of affection in public, NOT DONE.  Not even by horny teens among
CS> one another.  If you kiss your husband, it's 'ok' to do it on the cheek
CS> but keep it minimal and hugs should be quick.  When Japanese Navy wives
CS> meet their husbands at the pier after being out 6 months, it's a peck on
CS> the cheek and an arm about one shoulder then they separate and hold hands.
CS>  (Sasebo is a combined US/Japan base and yes, they have their ships here
CS> too).

Strange how different it is. Unthinkable really. We are more intimate than  
that with some people we hardly know. :)
But what do they do when they dance or are partying (maybe even drunk) or  
something?


CH>> Blowing the nose: Publicly blowing the nose is considered to be
CH>> extremely rude, and will reflect very poorly on you. Using a

CS> Definately true.

I am always glad when native speakers make mistakes like that. I never  
know whether it is and a or i or whether there is a silent e or not etc.

CS> However, 'sniffing' heavily (which some other cultures
CS> find a little disgusting) is quite ok.

And what do you do instead? I mean... when I have a cold I kind of have no  
alternative. Do I have to flee into a dark alley every time I have to blow  
my nose. We are not talking about a belch which one can usually suppress.  
How about a belch, btw? Rude or a compliment?


CS> spoon which you could get by with.  The amusement there is only 'babies'
CS> have to use those and it's the kid's spoon you are using.  (Bright grin,
CS> might be better to learn chopsticks but they really will understand, just
CS> mercilessly tease you over it).

:-))) I could live with that. There are other things I can do which they  
cannot, I guess.  Or I should remember taking a fork with me.

btw: What about riding a bicycle? Are there many people in the USA who  
cannot do it? What about Japan?

Ciao,
Malte!
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