about this tutorial…

This is one in a series of tutorials on intercultural communication. Anticipated completion time for this tutorial: approximately 85 minutes.You may create a print version by clicking on the “print all” link at the top of the page. If you are working with this tutorial in a course environment, you should complete the quiz on the last page, which demonstrates to your instructor that you have completed this tutorial. Please send comments/suggestions to rgjones@vcu.edu.

Unit Opener: Film clip – Business communication in Japan

This clip is taken from Gung Ho (1986). An American businessman has come to Japan to try to convince a Japanese car company to take over a closed auto factory in his home town in Michigan.

After watching the video, think about the following:

1. How does the American greet the assembled Japanese executives?
2. What communication style does he use?
3. How could one characterize the kind of English he speaks?
4. What differences are there between the American and the Japanese in terms of non-verbal communication?
5. What topics does the American bring up that might not be appropriate, given the context?