The use of silence by Japanese EFL learners

Harumi, Seiko

Abstract

This paper is a study of the use of silence by Japanese learners of English in cross-cultural communication during a transitional time of globalization. It has frequently been pointed out that Japanese learners of English tend to show a passive attitude and remain silent in class. On the other hand, in the EFL field, for several years now, this phenomenon has been linked to the impact of globalization. It, therefore, has been pointed out that Japanese learners at present are more outgoing and express themselves more in communication. This study looks at the use of silence by Japanese EFL students in relation to their cultural values and also at its relationship to globalization. It also considers how cross-cultural misunderstandings can be avoided in a pedagogic context. To this end, this study draws on insights from the interpretation of the use of silence by learners from a socio-cultural perspective.

Citation

Harumi, S. (2001, November). The use of silence by Japanese EFL learners. Presented at Pan-Asian Conference at JALT 2001, the 27th Annual International conference, Kitakyushu

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: Pan-Asian Conference at JALT 2001, the 27th Annual International conference
• Start Date: Nov 22, 2001
• Acceptance Date: Apr 13, 2002
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2002
• Deposit Date: Jan 5, 2022
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 27-34
• Book Title: PAC3 at JALT 2001 : a language odyssey. the 3rd in the series of Pan-Asian Conferences
• ISBN: 9784901352048
• Publisher URL: https://jalt-publications.org/archive/proceedings/2001/027.pdf