Dialogue 1

I for Isalella     M for Matthew

I: Matthew, do you know much about body language in countries

around the world?

M: Sure. I've picked up a few things from travelling around for

work. Why?

I: Well, I had a meeting today with a woman from Japan and she

wouldn't stop bowing! I didn't know what to do!

M: Did you bow back?

I: No, I tried to shake her hand, but her hand was so (limp) I was

a bit offended.

M: Well, Japanese business men and women typically bow to greet

each other in Japan. She might have been offended by your strong

handshake.

I: But she was in America! Shouldn't she have known that strong

handshakes in america signify (confidence) and (respect)?

M: Things are different in Japan. You know, in some countries,

making eye contact with others is considered (rude).

I: Is that why she wouldn't look at me in the meeting?

M: I think it's highly possible, yes.

I: The meeting really didn't go down well at all. I think I need to

read up about intercultural communication before I have another

meeting with someone from another country.

M: That's a good idea. When you don't know much about other

(cultures), the simplest thing can offend someone.

I: That's so true. It's great that we see eye to eye on this.