When a Japanese speaks to an American, the former changes his concepts into signs with associations based on Japanese culture, while the latter translates those signs into concepts with associations based on American culture. Thus, without understanding American patterns of association, no Japanese can communicate with an American effectively…

An essay compares Japanese and American language, reflecting on the fundamental culture-based differences between methods of communication in Japan and the United States. Japanese and Americans have different systems of logic and thought, attitudes, and ways of expressing themselves, all of which are affected by their respective background…