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What are the causes of barriers between international students and Japanese students? 8 problems/challenges and their solutions

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Illustration of a bewildered foreign student talking with a Japanese

For international students, there are many barriers to living and studying in Japan. Language barriers, cultural barriers, and differences in how they interact with Japanese people present a wide range of problems. On the other hand, Japanese people also face difficulties in living together with international students.

In this article, we will discuss in detail eight problems and issues that make it difficult for international students and Japanese to live together.

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Barriers between Foreign Students and Japanese: Eight Challenges and Solutions that Make Living Together in Japan Difficult

International students face a wide range of problems in Japan, but they can be broadly classified into two categories: language barriers and cultural barriers. In this section, we will explore specific problems and solutions for each of these barriers.

Language barrier: Japanese is difficult

Learning Japanese is a major barrier for international students. Factors unique to the Japanese language increase the difficulty of learning.

(1) Mastery of Kanji

Japanese kanji is one of the most difficult elements for international students to learn due to its large number and complexity. There are more than 2,000 kanji for regular use alone, and learning how to read and write them is not easy. The large number of homonyms and polysemy also adds to the difficulty of learning kanji.

(2) How to use honorifics

Honorifics are a linguistic expression unique to the Japanese language and need to be used in different ways depending on the relationship with the other person and the situation. There are various types of honorifics such as honorific, humble, and polite, and understanding and applying their usage appropriately is a very difficult task for international students.

For more information on the use of honorifics in Japanese, see "List available! Explanation of the correct use of keigo in Japanese and the situations in which it is used, with example sentences.Please refer to the "See

(iii) Difference in word order

Japanese has a word order that differs from that of many other languages, including English. For example, the basic word order in English is "subject + verb + object," whereas in Japanese the word order is usually "subject + object + verb. This difference in word order is a major barrier to foreign students learning Japanese.

(4) Understanding of terminology

International students are sometimes confused by technical terms used in university lectures and research. Many technical terms are difficult words that are not commonly used in daily conversation, and understanding their meanings and using them appropriately is a major challenge for international students.

Solutions to overcome language barriers

Overcoming the language barrier requires efforts on the part of both international and Japanese students. It is important for international students to make a sincere effort to learn Japanese and to actively communicate with Japanese students and faculty. On the other hand, Japanese students are required to make efforts to facilitate communication by speaking slowly and using easy Japanese according to the Japanese language ability of the international students.

It is also effective to take advantage of Japanese language study support programs offered by universities and local communities. By participating in Japanese language classes and exchange events, international students will be able to improve their Japanese language skills and at the same time expand their network with Japanese people.

Cultural barriers: Manners and rules unique to Japan

Along with the language barrier, another major barrier that international students face is the cultural barrier. Japanese values and communication styles unique to Japan can be confusing to international students.

(1) The difference between collectivism and individualism

Japan is known as a country with a collectivist culture, which tends to emphasize group harmony over the individual. On the other hand, there are many countries, especially Western countries, with individualistic cultures. This difference in values can create friction between international and Japanese students.

(2) Difference in communication style

Japanese people tend to prefer a high-context communication style that emphasizes context and nonverbal elements as well as words. On the other hand, in Western countries, a low-context communication style that explicitly conveys intentions is more common. This difference in communication styles can lead to misunderstandings between international students and Japanese.

(iii) Awareness of hierarchical relationships

Japanese society tends to emphasize hierarchical relationships in which people's relationships are defined by their age and social status. International students may be perplexed by this unique Japanese social structure.

4) Difference in working style

The Japanese work style is known for its long working hours and overtime work that is the norm. It is also said that the line between work and private life is blurred and there is a weak tendency to emphasize work-life balance. This way of working in Japan is one of the cultural aspects that are difficult for international students to understand.

To learn more about the characteristics of the Japanese work culture and how it differs from that of other countries, please visit the "Five characteristics & good and bad points of Japanese work culture! Differences from other countries are also introduced!Please refer to the "See

Solutions to Overcome Cultural Barriers

In order to overcome cultural barriers, it is important for both international and Japanese students to understand and respect each other's culture. It is important for international students to show a positive attitude toward learning about Japanese culture and values, and to ask Japanese people questions if they do not understand something. On the other hand, the Japanese side must understand the cultural background of the international student and be flexible.

It is also effective to participate in cross-cultural exchange events organized by universities and local communities. At such events, international and Japanese students can introduce each other's cultures and deepen their understanding of each other.

Cultural Challenges Facing International Students in Japan

Various problems and challenges exist in the coexistence of international students and Japanese people, such as language and cultural barriers. In order to overcome these barriers, efforts and understanding on the part of both international and Japanese students are essential.

It is important for international students to make a sincere effort to learn Japanese and to be proactive in learning Japanese culture and values. On the other hand, the Japanese side must take into consideration the language ability and cultural background of the international student and devise ways to facilitate communication.

Support programs and exchange events offered by universities and local communities are also effective in deepening mutual understanding between international students and Japanese people. Through such efforts, international students and Japanese people can build a relationship in which they can recognize and respect each other's differences, which will lead to the realization of a multiculturally convivial society.

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summary

Various problems and challenges exist in the coexistence of international students and Japanese people, such as language and cultural barriers. In order to overcome these barriers, efforts and understanding on the part of both international and Japanese students are essential.

It is important for international students to make a sincere effort to learn Japanese and to be proactive in learning Japanese culture and manners. On the other hand, the Japanese side must take into consideration the foreign student's language ability and cultural background, and devise ways to facilitate communication.

Support programs and exchange events offered by universities and local communities are also effective in deepening mutual understanding between international students and Japanese people. Through such efforts, international students and Japanese people can build a relationship in which they can recognize and respect each other's differences, which will lead to the realization of a multiculturally convivial society.

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