An analysis of the problems of communication between the Japanese and American people in the twentieth century. Yamada contrasts the American directness with the subtle nuances of meaning in Japanese business and social language to show how misinterpretation can lead to difficulties in interaction between the two races.

Foreword by Deborah Tannen A Few Notes on the Text 1.: Two Stories, Two Games 2.: Communication Equipment 3.: Speak for Yourself, Listen to Others 4.: Taking Care of Business 5.: Open for Business 6.: Scoring Points 7.: Support Network 8.: The Truth about Teasing, Praising, and Repeating 9.: Role Models: Working Man, Nurturing Mother 10.: You Are What You Speak Notes References Index

"Different Games, Different Rules is an insightful analysis of why Japanese and Americans, despite the best of intentions, often misunderstand each other. In easy-to-understand prose and with clear examples, Dr. Haru Yamada illustrates the mutual assumptions, the unconscious strategies, as well as the different mechanics of the two languages that form the barriers to better communication. In showing us ways to improve communication with each other, she also provides a key to improved understanding of ourselves. Informative and immediately useful for any person involved in Japanese-U.S. dealings."--Norio Ohga, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation "Yamada makes clear the close connection between a country's culture and its language and how cultural differences can create misunderstanding and mistrust during negotiations between companies and countries. This insightful and very useful book should be required reading for government officials and corporate executives in both Japan and the United States."--Tatsuro Toyoda, former President and current senior Advisor, Member of the Board, Toyta Motor Corporation "Many others have offered analysis, opinion, and advice on this complex subject, but none have shed more light."--Walter G. Hoadley, Executive Vice President, Bank of America "Dr. Yamada offers an engaging analysis of the differences between American and Japanese communication styles. Rich in insights on navigating the minefield of cross-cultural communication." --Y. Kobayashi, Chairman, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. "Different Games, Different Rules is an insightful analysis of why Japanese and Americans, despite the best of intentions, often misunderstand each other. In easy-to-understand prose and with clear examples, Dr. Haru Yamada illustrates the mutual assumptions, the unconscious strategies, as well as the different mechanics of the two languages that form the barriers to better communication. In showing us ways to improve communication with each other, she also provides a key to improved understanding ourselves. Informative and immediately useful for any person involved in Japanese-U.S. dealings."--Norio Ohga, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Corporation "Yamada makes clear the close connection between a country's culture and its language and how cultural differences can create misunderstanding and mistrust during negotiations between companies and countries. This insightful and very useful book should be required reading for government officials and corporate executives in both Japan and the United States."--Tatsuro Toyoda, former President,and current senior Advisor, Member of the Board, Toyota Motor Corporation "Many others have offered analysis, opinion, and advice on this complex subject, but none have shed more light."--Walter G. Hoadley, Executive Vice President, Bank of America "Dr. Yamada offers an engaging analysis of the differences between American and Japanese communication styles. Rich in insights on navigating the minefield of cross-cultural communication." --Y. Kobayashi, Chairman, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. "It is marvelously well written. It is witty, engaging, academic, and at the same time, very personal." --Seiichi Makino, Journal of Japapnese Studies

Selling point: Foreword by Deborah Tannen--Yamada is one of her proteges Selling point: Yamada brings the wit, intelligence, and overall smarts of You Just Don't Understand to bear on the compelling differences between Japanese and American conversational and cultural styles Selling point: A must-read book for any American doing business in Japan, and for Japanese business professionals trading with the States Selling point: Fascinating and insightful reading for everyone else--esp. educators dealing with immigrant populations, etc.

Haru Yamada is Senior Lecturer of Linguistics at the University of Westminster, London. She is the author of American and Japanese Business Discourse: A Comparison of Interactional Styles and a number of articles on international communication.

Selling point: Foreword by Deborah Tannen--Yamada is one of her proteges Selling point: Yamada brings the wit, intelligence, and overall smarts of You Just Don't Understand to bear on the compelling differences between Japanese and American conversational and cultural styles Selling point: A must-read book for any American doing business in Japan, and for Japanese business professionals trading with the States Selling point: Fascinating and insightful reading for everyone else--esp. educators dealing with immigrant populations, etc.