The Japanese patterns of communication and the concept of amae

Abstract

The Japanese patterns of communication can be best understood from the viewpoint of amae, a unique Japanese concept indicating the longing for and an expectation of dependence or oneness with others. A rich vocabulary in Japanese centering around the feeling amae permeates life. In conversing Japanese tend to halt often or make ambiguous statements, fishing for cues for reaching accord. The failure to achieve accord will invariably lead to a complete breakdown of communication. © 1973 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.