Problem
The Japanese don't say no. Why? So how do you refuse a request?
Answer
The Japanese consider it rude to say no. Not just because it is negative, or they might be disappointed. You are rejecting the other person, turning them down, so they lose face, status. It hurts their self-esteem. If others are listening, the rejected person is being humiliated in front of others.
So how do you refuse? Let's take one example. You ask a Japanese friend, "Are you free to meet me for lunch on Monday?"
Instead of saying no, they reply, "Ah, yes - but Tuesday would be better".
That way, you keep a friend.
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, teacher of English and other languages.
The Japanese don't say no. Why? So how do you refuse a request?
Answer
The Japanese consider it rude to say no. Not just because it is negative, or they might be disappointed. You are rejecting the other person, turning them down, so they lose face, status. It hurts their self-esteem. If others are listening, the rejected person is being humiliated in front of others.
So how do you refuse? Let's take one example. You ask a Japanese friend, "Are you free to meet me for lunch on Monday?"
Instead of saying no, they reply, "Ah, yes - but Tuesday would be better".
That way, you keep a friend.
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, teacher of English and other languages.
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