Thread: CULTURE DIFFERENCES I NEED HELP ON THIS

Having been raised in Canada (a very multicultural nation) and now living in a Japan (an extremely unicultural (real word??) nation) I see a lot of differences.

I found and still assume it is true, at least in my case, that there is a high degree of criticism where I am from. The need to correct one's own or anothers actions is often felt to be imperative by many. Thus informing someone of a mistake that they may have made is nearly an absolute. The way one goes about this is another issue entirely.

I would tell a sibling that they did something wrong instantly, without hesitation. But I wouldn't do that with a coworker. That is where 'constructive criticism' comes into play. And like Jim said it usually needs to be finessed so that little or no harm is delt.

Now, in Japan it is different but the same. There is a lot of finessing and apologizing. No one really wants to offend but when it comes to physical appearance, very little regard is given to someones feelings. Someone could go from near grovelling trying to point out an error to saying something like 'wow, your really have gained a lot of wieght!' It is odd, where feelings are hurt or not hurt. I would never say something like that to someone. But here physical appearance is often commented on wouthout any finesse.

Also if someone paid too much for something and are happy with it, well rather than say 'you paid way too much', I personally would think good for you for getting something that you wanted. Use it in good health. Just my way.