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Country’s Unique  Ways of Communication

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Verbal Indirect Communication:  Japanese people are generally  indirect communicators . They may be ambiguous when answering questions as a way to maintain  harmony , prevent a loss of face, or out of  politeness . People are often attentive to non-verbal cues (such as body language, posture, expression and tone of voice) as a way to draw meaning from a conversation. Disagreements that must be discussed are usually done so in private and at a later time.

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Refusals:  As  indirect communicators , Japanese people often avoid  direct  refusals or negative responses. When refusing, they may show hesitation before replying with an ambiguous response. For example, someone may respond to a request with “ Kento-shimasu ” meaning ‘I will consider it’, even if the speaker does not intend to consider the proposal. Silence:  Interrupting someone who is talking is generally considered impolite. This means that many Japanese tend to remain silent during a conversation, until there is an opening to speak. Sometimes, silence is intentional to allow people time to think about the discussion. Silence is often understood as reflecting  politeness  and respect. Interjections:  Interjections ( aizuchi ) are very common in Japanese communication. They are not understood as an interruption, but rather indicate to the speaker that their counterpart is actively listening.  Aizuchi  are particularly important in situations where people cannot see non-verbal cues, such as speaking on the phone. There are different types of interjections depending on the context of the conversation. One type of interjection indicates agreement, and includes the sounds ‘ un ’, ‘ ne ’ and ‘ ee ’, and phrases such as “ Hai ”’ (‘yes’), “ Sou  desu  ne ” (‘So it is, isn’t it?’) and “ Sugoi ” (used in casual contexts to mean ‘wow’ or ‘amazing’). Interjections of agreement are usually accompanied by a nod. Another common type of interjection indicates surprise, and includes the sound “ Eeee ? ’ and the phrase “ Honto   desu  ka? ” (‘Really?’). The phrase “ Māji  ka? ” (‘Seriously?’) is commonly used, but only in casual contexts. Compliments:  Humbleness is a common value in Japanese culture. As a result, there is a general tendency for people to politely deflect compliments. Excessive complimenting may cause embarrassment.

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Respectful Speech ( Keigo ) The Japanese language has a thorough grammatical system to express different levels of  politeness , respect and formality. This is known as  keigo  (‘respectful speech’ or ‘honorific speech’). There are three general categories of respectful speech, each used in different situations and employ different word choices and ways of communicating. Sonkeigo  refers to ‘respectful language’ and it is used to demonstrate respect towards the other person. This type of speech is often used when speaking to superiors (e.g. an employee speaking to their boss), and tends to include a lot of drawn-out polite expressions. Kensongo  refers to ‘humble language’ used to depreciate oneself or other people in the same group (e.g. business workers talking about their business to customers). In this kind of speech, people tend to drop honorific titles to show humility. Teineigo  refers to ‘polite language’, which is more general and can be used to refer to other people or oneself. This kind of language does not convey any particular kind of respect or humility to oneself or others. Polite language is also often used among acquaintances.

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Non-verbal Physical Contact:  Minimal physical contact is preferred. People tend to avoid touching others unless it is unavoidable, like in a crowded public place. Close friends or people of the same gender may stand or sit close to one another. Public displays of physical affection among opposite genders is uncommon. However, affectionate and friendly contact such as hugging, hand holding or walking arm-in-arm is quite common among friends of the same gender. Personal Space:  Attitudes towards space are often based on a distinction between public and private spaces. For instance, bodies are pressed together without comment in crowded public spaces, such as a busy mall or public transportation. Meanwhile, bodily contact is generally kept to a minimum in private settings. Where possible, people will maintain distance from one another. When standing next to friends or family, people will usually stand at arms’ length apart. This distance is further among acquaintances. Eye Contact:  Eye contact is an important aspect of non-verbal communication in Japan.  Indirect  eye contact is the norm as  direct  eye contact may be interpreted as intimidating.  Indirect  eye contact is particularly common when speaking to an elder or someone higher ranking to demonstrate respect. Usually, people will look at another part of someone’s face, such as their chin. Gesturing:  There are a number of other common gestures that may be used while speaking. For instance, a common gesture used when someone is embarrassed is to raise one hand and place it behind the back of the head. This gesture is also sometimes used as a way to indirectly disagree or refuse something. Another gesture used to indicate a  lighthearted  disagreement is to wave both hands in front of the body or face.  Pointing:  Pointing with a finger is considered rude. Instead, people in Japan hold out their hand and gently gesture towards the person, location or object. Counting:  When counting with their fingers, Japanese usually start with an open palm and close a finger to symbolise a number. For example, the number one is represented when the thumb is closed and the other fingers are open. Similarly, a closed fist represents the number five. However, the opposite style of counting where the number of fingers held up reflects the number symbolised is becoming more common. Feet:  It is considered rude for someone to display the soles of their feet, use their feet to move something, point their feet towards someone or put their feet on furniture.

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Expressing Emotions:  Displaying intense emotion is usually avoided in Japanese communication. This is especially the case in formal situations such as in the workplace or at school. People tend to avoid overt and intense displays of anger to preserve face. Social status can play a role in how intensely emotions are expressed. For example, it is more socially acceptable for those of higher social status to express anger.

Neutral
Sadness
Happiness
Anger
Disgust
Fear
Surprise

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Bowing:  Bowing is common throughout Japan and is often used as a gesture to mark certain emotions, such as showing gratitude, remorse or reverence. The etiquette of bowing contains many intricate rules that depend on factors such as the context, social status and age of the person (see  Bowing ( Ojigi )  in  Greetings ).

https:// blog.gaijinpot.com /tweet-of-the-week-135-japanese-companies-bowing-seal-custom-is-too-much/

: The 15° or “greeting bow” is for friends and colleagues such as people  of similar rank with you. The 30° or “polite bow” is for VIPs such as your boss, an interviewer, your in-laws, etc. The 45° or “respectful bow” goes up a notch and is kept for religious practice, the emperor  and extreme situations such as public apologies.

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Nodding:  It is common for people to nod during conversation to indicate they are listening or as a sign of acknowledgement. Nodding is a gesture of  politeness , and does not necessarily imply agreement.

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Beckoning:  In Japan, people usually beckon by facing the palm of the hand to the ground and waving their fingers towards their body. However, it is improper to beckon someone socially superior in this manner, such as one’s boss.

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Gesturing:  There are a number of other common gestures that may be used while speaking. For instance, a common gesture used when someone is embarrassed is to raise one hand and place it behind the back of the head. This gesture is also sometimes used as a way to indirectly disagree or refuse something. Another gesture used to indicate a  lighthearted  disagreement is to wave both hands in front of the body or face       	   Come here         	             Me		              Eat		      Passing through             Showing Direction	        No Way	           Money	                No 		                                        https:// www.likejapan.com / en /life/10-gestures/

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Counting:  When counting with their fingers, Japanese usually start with an open palm and close a finger to symbolise a number. For example, the number one is represented when the thumb is closed and the other fingers are open. Similarly, a closed fist represents the number five. However, the opposite style of counting where the number of fingers held up reflects the number symbolised is becoming more common.

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https:// www.likejapan.com / en /life/10-gestures/

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Verbal Communication Style:  Egyptians are quite expressive and passionate when they  converse. They have a tendency to be evocative and verbose by telling stories and using wordplay and jokes. They are generally open and emotive, displaying happiness and gratitude freely. Emotions relating to grief and sorrow are also widely expressed, particularly in the case of death of a loved one. However, public displays of anger are discouraged and may be interpreted as an insult. Indirect Communication:  Egyptians generally communicate in an  indirect  manner. They tend to avoid replying with a  direct  ‘no’ and instead usually offer a lengthy reply that may not answer the question. However, depending on the context of the conversation and who they are communicating with, they may be  direct  in some instances. For example, someone of seniority by position or age may be more  direct  when conversing with those below them. The use of  direct  communication in these occasional instances is rarely intended to offend the conversation partner. Humour:  Egyptians often use humour in their conversations and find it encouraging when their jokes are appreciated. When meeting an Egyptian for the first time, it is common for them to say a joke or two.

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Non-Verbal Physical Contact:  The appropriateness of touching during conversations depends on the relationship between the people interacting. Close friends and family will frequently touch each other while acquaintances will generally refrain from doing so.  Norms  and expectations of physical contact also often depend on the gender of the people interacting. For example, good friends of the same gender may hold hands or kiss when greeting in public. On the other hand, there is little to no public display of affection between opposite genders during conversation or when in public places, with the exception of married couples who may walk arm in arm. Personal Space:  The common physical distance maintained between people is usually an arm’s length. The acceptable proximity may vary depending on the genders of the two people interacting with one another. For example, women may stand closer to each other, whilst people generally prefer to keep a bigger distance from those of the opposite gender . Beckoning:  To beckon someone, Egyptians tend to whistle, clap or say ‘ psst ’. Eye Contact:   Direct  eye contact is acceptable in most cases and is valued as a sign of respect to the speaker as well as a sign of honesty and sincerity. Sometimes, Egyptians will hold an intense stare, meaning that their eye contact may be stronger than what is typical in Australia. However, in accordance to Islamic principles, males and females may be expected to lower their gaze and avoid sustained eye contact with each other. This is considered respectful and observant of the partition between genders.

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Gestures:  Touching all four fingers to the thumb with the palm facing inwards then shaking it up and down is used to tell someone to ‘wait a moment’. To point, one usually uses their index finger. The “ Osbor   Shwaya ” Patience is a virtue my friend, and when the fingers are cupped together and the hand is slowly swinging up and down, know that patience is required of you. The “ Oxom   Bellah ” The First Warning! gesture used to mean “I swear to God” and best beware! Be very careful when it’s to expressed to you.

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https://identity- mag.com /top- egyptian -hand-gestures/

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Verbal Communication Style:  Filipinos will try to express their opinions and ideas diplomatically and with humility to avoid appearing arrogant. The tone of voice varies widely by language, dialect and region. Indirect Communication:  Filipinos often communicate indirectly in order to prevent a loss of face and evoking  hiya  on either side of an exchange. They tend to avoid interrupting others and are more attentive to posture, expression and tone of voice to draw meaning. Speech is often ambiguous and Filipinos may speak in the passive voice rather than the active to avoid being perceived as speaking harshly. To find the underlying meaning, it is common to check for clarification several times. Refusals:  Since many Filipinos try to save face and avoid hiya in their interactions, many will be overly polite and seldom give a flat ‘no’ or negative response. When conversing with your Filipino counterpart, try to focus on hints of hesitation. Listen to what they say and also pay close attention to what they don’t say. Respect:  When speaking to those who are older or of higher status, Filipinos tend to use the polite forms of speech. At the end of phrases, sentences or questions, they will say ‘ po ’ to demonstrate this respect for  hierarchy . For example, when conversing with an elder or someone of higher status, one will say ‘ salamat  po ’ (‘thank you po’).

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Non-Verbal Physical Contact:  Among relatives or friends of the same gender, it is common for Filipinos to walk hand in hand or arm in arm. This is generally done so as a sign of affection, friendship or if they are shy and would like someone to accompany them. Filipinos tend to be modest and conservative in their interactions with their significant other, and public displays of affection among couples (such as kissing or hugging) is quite uncommon. Personal Space:  When interacting with people they are familiar with, Filipinos tend to prefer standing at an arm's length from one another. Around strangers this distance is farther. However, in public areas like a market or subway, personal space is often limited and pushing is common. Laughter:  While Filipinos often laugh in conversations, the meaning of laughter tends to depend on the situation. At times, laughing may indicate happiness or pleasure, while other times it may be used to relieve tension. In some circumstances, laughter is used as an attempt to cover embarrassment. Beckoning:  The common way to beckon someone is by gesturing with the hand facing downwards and waving fingers towards oneself, the same gesture that would represent ‘shooing’ in Australia. If a Filipino wants someone’s attention, it is common for them to make a sound like ‘ pssst ’.

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Pointing:  Filipinos may point to objects by puckering their lips and moving their mouths in the direction they are pointing to. Pointing with the index finger is often understood as an expression of anger.

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Gestures:  Putting one’s hands on their hips is a sign of anger.

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JAPANESE BOWING IN DIFFERENT ANGLES KEIGO (RESPECTFUL SPEECH) SONKEIGO (RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE) KENSONGO (HUMBLE LANGUAGE) TEINEIGO (POLITE LAGUANGE) EGYPTIAN THE HAND GESTURES ”OSBOR SHWAYA” MEANS PATIENCE OR HAVE SOME PATIENCE  THE “OXOM BELLAH” HAND GESTURE WHICH MEANS FIRST WARNING OR “I SWEAR TO GOD” FILIPINO USING ”PO” AND “OPO” WHEN TALKING TO ELDERS POINTING WITH LIPS

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Don't jump to conclusions or make judgements Know the difference between the cultural and the  personal Give everyone time to speak Prioritise transparent communication Observe hand gestures and body language

Japanese, Egyptian and Filipino are all indirect communicator, They are all respectful when communicating. don’t say  a flat “no” as an answer, instead they will find a way or explain it properly before saying “no”.

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SOURCES https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-communication https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Six-basic-and-neutral-emotions-in-facial-expressions-from-Japanese-Female-Facial_fig2_287118939 https://blog.gaijinpot.com/tweet-of-the-week-135-japanese-companies-bowing-seal-custom-is-too-much/ https://www.likejapan.com/en/life/10-gestures/ https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/egyptian-culture/egyptian-culture-communication https://identity-mag.com/top-egyptian-hand-gestures/ https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/filipino-culture/filipino-culture-communication https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgxq7j/why-filipinos-point-mouth-explained https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/disney-pixars-float-artist-bobby-rubio-gives-filipino-mano-po-honors-to-medical-frontliners/ https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/doodle-girl-stickman-frown-face-standing-with-akimbo-pose-cartoon-vector-gm1271888257-37