Conversational Ballgames Short Essay

Gabriela P.
Rodriguez Fontanez
INGL-3104 M06
Due Date: 2/13/24
Prof. Craig Graham
Comparison/Contrast Essay (”Conversational Ballgames”)
Every culture has its own conversational style. In the essay “Conversational Ballgames” by
Natalie Masterson Sakamoto compares Western and Japanese conversational styles with game
analogies. Surprisingly Sakamoto found both conversational styles are very different.
The Japanese and Western conversational styles are both culturally based. The Japanese
conversation style reflects cultural values of harmony, respect, and shared understanding, which
underpin their communication norms. Participants demonstrate deference to seniors,
communicate indirectly, and prioritize listening and patience, fostering a sense of cohesion
within Japanese society. In contrast, the Western conversational style emphasizes assertiveness,
directness, and individual expression. People engage in lively discussions, freely expressing
opinions and challenging ideas without fear of reprisal. Reactions are characterized by
assertiveness, active engagement, and directness, with participants using verbal cues and gestures
to emphasize points and maintain the flow of conversation. While Western conversations
prioritize individual expression and critical thinking, Japanese conversations prioritize group
harmony and deference to authority, while shaping their distinct communication styles. Both
styles, though different, reflect the cultural values and norms of their respective societies, which
contributes to diverse approaches to communication and social interaction.

Both Japanese and Western conversational styles have their own distinct rules of engagement. In
Japanese conversation, participants abide by sequential turn-taking. The speaking order is
determined by factors like age and status. While politeness and respect are essential, people are
listening attentively without interrupting is very important. They use non-verbal cues to convey
understanding. The goal is to maintain harmony and deference to authority while fostering a
polite and respectful atmosphere. In Western conversations, however, people engage in dynamic
exchanges characterized by assertiveness and directness. In the Western conversational style,
they freely express their opinions and challenging ideas, and contribute to lively discussions
without hesitation. The emphasis is on active participation, where people assert their viewpoints
and contribute to the conversation's progression.
In both conversational styles, people react differently. In Japanese conversations, participants
react with politeness and patience, listening attentively without interruption and employing non-
verbal cues like nodding to convey understanding and respect. In Japan, conversations should be
harmonious and demonstrate deference to individuals of higher status to foster a polite and
respectful atmosphere. On the other hand, in Western conversations, reactions are characterized
by openness and directness. People freely share their thoughts and opinions in lively discussions.
They express agreement, disagreement, or elaboration to actively contribute to the conversation's
progression. Assertive body language and gestures are used to emphasize points and sustain the
flow of discussion. This reflects a cultural preference for individual expression and active
engagement.
Both styles are differently paced. In Japanese conversation, the pace is deliberate and measured.
People take their time to speak and respond thoughtfully. Moreover, pauses between speakers
allow for reflection and ensure each participant's turn is respected. This deliberate pace
contributes to the overall atmosphere of politeness and consideration. In Western conversation,
on the other hand, the pace is brisk and energetic, and people engage in rapid exchanges and
dynamic interactions. There may be occasional interruptions as individuals strive to assert their
thoughts and opinions assertively. The quick pace reflects a culture that values directness, active
engagement, and the free flow of ideas in conversation.
In conclusion, Japanese and Western conversational styles differ significantly due to cultural
norms. The Japanese style focuses on harmony, respect, and indirect communication, while the
Western style is more assertive, direct, and individual. These differences reflect their cultural
values and impact how people interact socially. Understanding these distinctions is very crucial
for successful cross-cultural communication and relationship-building.

Conversational Ballgames Short Essay

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Conversational Ballgames Short Essay

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Conversational Ballgames Short Essay

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Gabriela P.

Due Date: 2/13/24

Prof. Craig Graham

Comparison/Contrast Essay (”Conversational Ballgames”)

underpin their communication norms. Participants demonstrate deference to seniors,

contributes to diverse approaches to communication and social interaction.

Japanese conversation, participants abide by sequential turn-taking. The speaking order is

exchanges characterized by assertiveness and directness. In the Western conversational style,

and contribute to the conversation's progression.

In both conversational styles, people react differently. In Japanese conversations, participants

They express agreement, disagreement, or elaboration to actively contribute to the conversation's

contributes to the overall atmosphere of politeness and consideration. In Western conversation,

engagement, and the free flow of ideas in conversation.

for successful cross-cultural communication and relationship-building.

You might also like