Speaking Japanese – Small Talk

In every culture, "small talk" is used as a way of getting to know someone gradually. However, to non-native residents of Japan, it may seem that the period over which small talk is used continues longer, and that it is less often dropped in favor of more direct personal conversations, than is true in other countries. Speaking Japanese is complicated by Japan’s unique and hard to understand social customs.

This takes a long time to getting used to in Japan. Sometimes there is no small talk at all. In Western countries a lot of small talk is done in the office or at the workplace. In Japan, small talk is replaced by set expressions at the work place. Every day millions of Japanese in their workplace say exactly the same thing to their co-workers everyday all day. What they say is "otsukaresama desu". This is very hard to translate, but means something like "thanks for your co-operation". Imagine saying "Thanks for your co-operation today" ten to twenty times a day every work day of your life. Mind numbing stuff.

In Japan, a good conversationalist is one who takes an active role in small talk, introducing new topics and keeping things lively. Small talk can easily be made more personal by directing it toward topics in which you are truly interested. If you want become good at speaking Japanese learn to talk about yourself. Most Japanese don’t like to be the center of attention.

Often, as a foreigner you will be the topic of conversation. Your opinion will often be asked about Japan. You will be asked the same questions and complimented on your Japanese speaking ability. You will have the same conversation about where you are from, what you do and what you think of Japan.  You can use the opportunity of small talk to offer interesting and honest opinions of what you think about Japan. Japanese will greatly appreciate this and think highly of you.

Tags: Japanese lessons, learn Japanese, Rocket japanese, speaking Japanese