An analysis of the problems of communication between the Japanese and American people in the twentieth century. Yamada contrasts the American directness with the subtle nuances of meaning in Japanese business and social language to show how misinterpretation can lead to difficulties in interaction between the two races.

Foreword by Deborah Tannen ; A Few Notes on the Text ; 1. Two Stories, Two Games ; 2. Communication Equipment ; 3. Speak for Yourself, Listen to Others ; 4. Taking Care of Business ; 5. Open for Business ; 6. Scoring Points ; 7. Support Network ; 8. The Truth about Teasing, Praising, and Repeating ; 9. Role Models: Working Man, Nurturing Mother ; 10. You Are What You Speak ; Notes ; References ; Index

Different Games, Different Rules is an insightful analysis of why Japanese and Americans, despite the best of intentions, often misunderstand each other. In easy-to-understand prose and with clear examples, Dr. Haru Yamada illustrates the mutual assumptions, the unconscious strategies, as well as the different mechanics of the two languages that form the barriers to better communication. In showing us ways to improve communication with each other, she also provides a key to improved understanding ourselves. Informative and immediately useful for any person involved in Japanese-U.S. dealings.

"For those who have enjoyed Deborah Tannen's books, such as You Just Don't Understand and Gender and Discourse, Yamada's book will provide an in-depth example of Tannen's style of discourse analysis. For the cross-cultural worker traveling in Japan, it is certainly a wealth of information." --SIL Electronic Book Reviews "Different Games, Different Rules is an insightful analysis of why Japanese and Americans, despite the best of intentions, often misunderstand each other. In easy-to-understand prose and with clear examples, Dr. Haru Yamada illustrates the mutual assumptions, the unconscious strategies, as well as the different mechanics of the two languages that form the barriers to better communication. In showing us ways to improve communication with each other, she also provides a key to improved understanding ourselves. Informative and immediately useful for any person involved in Japanese-U.S. dealings."--Norio Ohga, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation "Yamada makes clear the close connection between a country's culture and its language and how cultural differences can create misunderstanding and mistrust during negotiations between companies and countries. This insightful and very useful book should be required reading for government officials and corporate executives in both Japan and the United States."--Tatsuro Toyoda, former President,and current senior Advisor, Member of the Board, Toyota Motor Corporation "Many others have offered analysis, opinion, and advice on this complex subject, but none have shed more light."--Walter G. Hoadley, Executive Vice President, Bank of America "Dr. Yamada offers an engaging analysis of the differences between American and Japanese communication styles. Rich in insights on navigating the minefield of cross-cultural communication." --Y. Kobayashi, Chairman, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. "It is marvelously well written. It is witty, engaging, academic, and at the same time, very personal." --Seiichi Makino, Journal of Japapnese Studies "For those who have enjoyed Deborah Tannen's books, such as You Just Don't Understand and Gender and Discourse, Yamada's book will provide an in-depth example of Tannen's style of discourse analysis. For the cross-cultural worker traveling in Japan, it is certainly a wealth of information." --SIL Electronic Book Reviews "Different Games, Different Rules is an insightful analysis of why Japanese and Americans, despite the best of intentions, often misunderstand each other. In easy-to-understand prose and with clear examples, Dr. Haru Yamada illustrates the mutual assumptions, the unconscious strategies, as well as the different mechanics of the two languages that form the barriers to better communication. In showing us ways to improve communication with each other, she also provides a key to improved understanding ourselves. Informative and immediately useful for any person involved in Japanese-U.S. dealings."--Norio Ohga, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation "Yamada makes clear the close connection between a country's culture and its language and how cultural differences can create misunderstanding and mistrust during negotiations between companies and countries. This insightful and very useful book should be required reading for government officials and corporate executives in both Japan and the United States."--Tatsuro Toyoda, former President,and current senior Advisor, Member of the Board, Toyota Motor Corporation "Many others have offered analysis, opinion, and advice on this complex subject, but none have shed more light."--Walter G. Hoadley, Executive Vice President, Bank of America "Dr. Yamada offers an engaging analysis of the differences between American and Japanese communication styles. Rich in insights on navigating the minefield of cross-cultural communication." --Y. Kobayashi, Chairman, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. "It is marvelously well written. It is witty, engaging, academic, and at the same time, very personal." --Seiichi Makino, Journal of Japapnese Studies

An illuminating look at why differences in conversational style create misunderstandings between Americans and Japanese Yamada brings an insider's perspective and a linguist's skills to her study of U.S. and Japanese culture Illuminates the ways that conversational style reflects the values of a culture in general, and of the U.S. and Japan in particular Offers numerous examples of conversations in which misunderstandings can arise

Haru Yamada is Senior Lecturer of Linguistics at the University of Westminster, London. She is the author of American and Japanese Business Discourse: A Comparison of Interactional Styles and a number of articles on international communication.

An illuminating look at why differences in conversational style create misunderstandings between Americans and Japanese Yamada brings an insider's perspective and a linguist's skills to her study of U.S. and Japanese culture Illuminates the ways that conversational style reflects the values of a culture in general, and of the U.S. and Japan in particular Offers numerous examples of conversations in which misunderstandings can arise