Bridging Japanese

In this volume, Gudykunst applies his world-renowned approach to intercultural communication to the specifics of Japanese//North American communication. After laying out the basic theories of intercultural communication, the authors explain the similarities and differences in patterns of communication in Japan and the United States. They then demonstrate how an understanding of these contrasting patterns can help Japanese and North Americans communicate more effectively. By examining issues such as attitudes and stereotypes, ways to deepen the understanding of Japanese behaviour are suggested. Also discussed are the factors that influence motivation, knowledge and skills to increase communication effectiveness.

"[William B. Gudykunst and Tsukasa Nishida] synthesize a mass of information on intercultural communication theory and similarities and differences in communication patterns in the United States and Japan. Numerous excerpts, notes, and about 220 references attest to the comprehensiveness Gudykunst and Nishida seek. . . . This is an important guide for effective cross-cultural communication between the Japanese and North Americans, meticulously organized, thoroughly researched, and simply stated. Upper-division undergraduate and above." --Choice More than language skills are needed for a North American to effectively communicate with a Japanese. Comprehensive in its approach, Bridging Japanese/North American Differences applies Gudykunst's world-renowned intercultural communication method to the specifics of Japanese/North American communication. William B. Gudykunst and Nishida first provide an overview of the various fundamental intercultural communication theories and then explain the similarities and differences between communication patterns in Japan and the United States. Next, they demonstrate how understanding the similarities and differences can help Japanese and North Americans communicate more effectively. By examining such areas as attitudes and stereotypes, the authors suggest ways to heighten understanding of Japanese behavior. They conclude by examining the factors that influence motivation, knowledge, and skills to increase communication effectiveness. The ideal volume for any North American interested in improving his or her ability to communicate with a Japanese colleague, friend, student, or business associate, Bridging Japanese/North American Differences isstraightforward, practical, and easy to absorb.

Booknews

Begins a series applying relevant communications theories to specific situations that entail interaction between cultures or ethnic groups. Applies Gudykunst's theory of effective interpersonal and intergroup communication to North Americans dealing with Japanese in business, academic, or social environments, explaining the differences in thinking patterns, the stereotypes and attitudes people carry without knowing it, and other aspects. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

William B. Gudykunst (Ph.D., Minnesota, 1977) is Professor of Speech Communication at the College of Communications, California State University, Fullerton. Bill has written and edited numerous works for SAGE, including the Handbook of Intercultural and International Communication, 2/e, and Bridging Differences: Effective Intergroup Communication, 3/e as well as the best-selling introductory undergraduate texts Building Bridges: Interpersonal Skills for a Changing World (Houghton Mifflin) and Communicating with Strangers: An Approach to Intercultural Communication, 3/e (McGraw-Hill). He is extremely well known in the discipline and is one of its most prolific writers/scholars in the areas of intercultural communication and human communication theory.