Once I talked about the cultural difference in “asking questions” – in Western culture, it is recommended to ask. In Japanese culture, it “can” be considered as rude since a random question can take someone’s time. In Japan, one should think through (study) before asking a question.
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There is also a cultural difference in “teaching”. In Western culture, many believe “teaching” is a good thing. It may be rooted to the Christianity and its missionaries. In Japan, “teaching” is for someone special. An ordinary person doesn’t teach others on a regular basis. Only respected & knowledgeable people in the area may teach, as “Sensei – teacher” – otherwise, the teaching can be “forcing one’s value”. This “difference” is much diluted in the younger (westernized) generation. However, it certainly exists in old generations, and teaching back a question can be very rude. (They won’t usually get angry. They will simply smile, ignore, and leave. They aren’t kind to “teach” to someone who is not ready to learn – like an Zen story about a full tea cup). This culture link to the previous post and many other stories I share – including that I do not feel comfortable calling myself “teacher” – although I do teach Sashiko quite well. In order to enjoy Sashiko fully, since Sashiko is very simple, understanding the cultural perspective is very important, I believe. I will talk on this topic more on Patreon – cultural difference in teaching & asking questions.
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*My understanding may be incorrect. Please advise me if you find any critical errors.
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昨日の投稿を基にブログを書き始めたのですが、いざ文章にしてみると、「これまで、如何に自分が日本語での情報発信を蔑ろにしてきてしまったか」と反省しきりです。でも同時に、言い訳もあるんです。
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絶対神の宗教（絶対的に正しいものがある信仰）に生きる人は、人に教えることを”正”と捉えます。良い道へ導くこと（布教）が使命ですし。だから、宗教以外のことでも、「教えること」に抵抗はありません。普通に、「貴方、英語上手だね」と何故か上から目線でくるのも似たような話。悪気があるわけじゃないんです。逆に日本人は、「人様に何かを教えること」に躊躇いを持ちます。余計なお世話って言葉があるように、ご迷惑になるんじゃないか……と。僕も日本人なので、自分の考えを書くことに躊躇いが無いわけじゃないんです。スピリチュアル等、自分が確固たる自信があるものであれば問題ないのですが、刺し子とか、「刺し子の諸先輩方差し置いて何しとんねん」と感じてしまって。でも同時に、やっぱり誰かが文章にしないとなとも思うようになりました。頑張ってみます。
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2020-08-18 15:35:06
Thank you ❤️
here in Germany children get advised to ask when they don’t know something or don’t understand it after a teacher tried to explain it. But asking anything to everyone can be rude too. I personally think it depends on the subject. when I can find the answer easy by looking online (Google?) I think it is a bit rude to ask, but when you tried that and maybe couldn’t find the answers or couldn’t understand the answers asking should be totally OK! and some things are easier to learn when someone shows it to you in person.
Mil gracias por compartir tu cultura; tu experiencia. Gracias ♥️♥️♥️. Que diferencia entre Oriente y Occidente 💙💜💚💛💛🧡♥️
言わなさ過ぎるのも問題かと。日本人が自信無いのは自分達の文化の素晴らしさが伝わってないからなのでは？おばあちゃんの知恵ももったいない精神も引き継がれてないと感じます。どうか淳さんの思う刺し子をそのまま伝えて下さい！正解が無いということは、後は受け取った人の問題と思います😊
I think you have a very refreshing and insightful take on the current dialogues surrounding cultural appropriation in an ever Western-izing world. I always love reading your thoughts!
It is similar in South Asia. From a young age one is not encouraged to question the teach or open up a debate about a subject. What the teacher says is final. Was a shock when I met teacher who had studied in the west ( Especially America) they were all about question and debates it was refreshing.
Thank you for identifying differences❣️🙏🏻
It is nearly rude or seen as ignorant not to ask a question depending on the subtext in western culture sometimes there is a pressure to ask a question as a form of acknowledgement to the teacher many circumstances but it is so interesting to see the polar opposites in culture it is something you would not know from the surface.
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I like the concept of ‘ready to learn’. Imagine the amount of Western teaching that’s been wasted because the learners weren’t ready to absorb the content. I think about poetry I read in college. I did so because I had to. When I reread it today I see so much more per having more life experience.
As you know in the US, it is a sign of respect to ask questions as it shows an interest in someone else’s work or passion. It shows you (the question asker) are willing and eager to learn. So different! Very interesting.
It is cultural appropriation (or misappropriation) that we have to be VERY aware and careful of. Lots of important discussion right now around this and seems in line with your teachings.