America Quote by Sessue Hayakawa
“I like America anyway. In Japan we are much more formal. If two friends are separated for a long time and they meet they bow and bow and bow. They keep bowing without exchanging a word. Here they slap each other on the back and say: Hello, old man, how goes everything.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Cultural Observations, Sessue Hayakawa, 1932
Different cultures express friendship and reunion in distinct ways, reflecting deeper social norms and values.
In simple terms: Cultural styles of greeting vary widely.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate and adapt to diverse social customs.
Themes
culture
communication
friendship
social norms
Mood
curious
respectful
Type
observational
cultural
When to use this quote
- travel
- international business
- multicultural teams
- social gatherings
Key Concepts
cross‑cultural psychology
rituals
nonverbal communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you show respect when meeting friends from another culture?
- What can you learn from differing greeting rituals?
A Different Perspective
Assuming one style is superior can cause misunderstandings.
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