Nodding and Agreeing
Author: Nao Shimada, Kwansei Gakuin University
Review/editing: Aaron Rotsinger, University of St Andrews
Situation: One Japanese student, Rin, was nodding their head while listening to other international students talking about ideas on how to do their group project together. The students turned to Rin and said, “we’re glad you agree!” But Rin didn’t agree – she was just nodding her head to show that she was listening. Actually, she didn’t like their idea about the project at all, but now she was too embarrassed to say anything, so she followed their idea. Afterwards, the group got a mediocre grade on the project, and Rin didn’t feel comfortable around the other students anymore.
Question: What should Rin have done differently to avoid miscommunication and start the project smoothly? What about the international students?
Japanese students should not nod while listening to international students
They all should study more about the culture of communicating.
Rin should have been honest that she didn’t understand well.
The international students should have asked Rin if they understood or not.
The other students should have noticed that Rin student wasn’t understanding.
Are there any other ways of moving your head that can cause a misunderstanding during communication with people from different cultures?
What would you do if you didn’t understand something but the conversation was continuing?
How much responsibility should people have to make sure that others understand them?