Cultural Differences

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1. All humans are enigmatic in nature, due to the fact that culture in different countries is so different and yet so similar. Every culture has distinct characteristics that make it different from every other culture. Some differences are evident: language, religion, political structure, etc. Others can be so subtle that making adjustments is a very complex process.

2. One of the difficulties immigrants, exchange students and other travelers have in adjusting to foreign life arises due to stereotypes and preconceptions. As a result, feeling out-of-place is common and it is something which should be anticipated as normal and likely for a while. The most common stereotype of the American is far from complimentary. It can be described in a few examples of the qualities that others frequently associate with the "typical" American: outgoing and friendly, informal, loud, rude, immature, hard-working, racially prejudiced, ignorant of other countries, wealthy, generous.

2.1. Greeting customs

The first culture difference that many Japanese find in America is their greeting customs. Although the greeting is one of the simplest human communications, both countries have different methods of greeting each other. The main reason for the difference is that Americans use verbal greetings and the Japanese use nonverbal greetings. In America, generally elderly people are introduced first. In contrast, the traditional rule is the opposite in Japan: young people have to be introduced first in Japan. This rule is the sort of manner in there, and the people who do not follow this regulation are considered rude. Americans use verbal communications - they always say "Hi" or "How are you?", even people who are strangers say "How is it going?" Due to inexperience with this greeting, first, most foreigners who first come to America are confused whether they should respond or not. As a result, they think Americans are friendly, refreshing, or sociable. However, people who come to America from eastern countries (which are mostly traditional societies) tend to use nonverbal language. For example, Japanese just make a bow with a smile indicating respect. Usually, young people have to make a deep bow for their superiors. In addition voice and countenance are very significant.

2.2. Time

A good example of