Japan's Cultural Code Words


Book Description

Japan's Cultural Code Words offers a study of Japanese society through analysis of key terms and concepts that define Japanese attitudes and behaviors. Japan's traditional culture is so powerful that it continues to be the prevailing force in molding and tuning the national character of the Japanese, resulting in a society that simultaneously emphasizes both the modern and the traditional. The best and fastest way to an understanding of the traditional, emotional side of Japanese attitudes and behavior is through their "business and cultural code words"--key terms that reveal, in depth, their psychology and philosophy. The book features 233 essays, arranged alphabetically from "Ageashi / Tripping on Your Own Tongue" to "Zenrei / Breaking the Molds of the Past," that dive into these code words. Long-term expatriate and internationally-renowned Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente offers personal insights into the extremes of Japanese behavior and the dynamics of one of the world's most fascinating societies.




NTC's Dictionary of Japan's Cultural Code Words


Book Description

This useful text contains 230 Japanese expressions known to every Japanese, cross referencing of entries by thematic groupings, and a 14-entry set of introductory readings, designed to offer a broad cultural overview of Japan.




Japan's Cultural Codewords


Book Description

"Boye Lafayette De Mente is a legend among writers on Japan. Other writers have directed their wisdom toward those who want to know something about Japan. De Mente's contribution has been to help those who want to do something in Japan." --Alex Kerr, author of Hidden Japan Understanding Japanese cultural norms can be challenging for those unfamiliar with them. Interactions may seem open and friendly at times, and more reserved or even cold and distant at others. An effective way to gain insight into the traditional Japanese mindset is through cultural codewords--key terms rich with meaning that reveal and influence the attitudes and behaviors within modern Japanese society. These key terms encapsulate a system of behavior that goes beyond the literal meanings of words and phrases, often requiring deeper cultural context for full comprehension. In this book, experienced Japan expert Boye Lafayette De Mente explains the nuances of 233 of the most important Japanese codewords--arranged alphabetically from ageashi ("tripping on your own tongue") to zenrei ("breaking the mold of the past"). Together, these terms provide valuable insights into the character and customs of one of the world's most fascinating cultures. Author Boye Lafayette De Mente is an author of over 30 books on Japan. As a business consultant with extensive knowledge of Japan. His first book Etiquette Guide to Japan was a pioneer in its field, became an instant bestseller, and is still widely used by modern travelers as they navigate the cultural codes of Japan.







Why the Japanese Are a Superior People!


Book Description

Boy Lafayette De Mente-author of more than 50 books on the business practices, cultures and languages of China, Japan, Korea and Mexico-identifies and describes the cultural elements that made the Japanese an extraordinary people-elements based on the fact that the Japanese are right-brain oriented but are able to use both sides of their brain...with remarkable results that are responsible for their economic prowess, their aesthetic prowess, and the seductive nature of their culture. He pinpoints the areas where the Japanese have conspicuous advantages over Americans and other left-brain oriented people. A Must Read for anyone interested in understanding the character and mindset of the Japanese for whatever purpose.




Survival Korean


Book Description

A handy Korean phrasebook and guide to the Korean language, Survival Korean contains basic vocabulary necessary for getting around Korea. This book contains all the necessary words and phrases for speaking Korean in any kind of setting. Perfect for students, tourists, or business people learning Korean or travelling to Korea, it also contains a beginner guide to the Korean language, allowing for a deeper understanding of Korean than a typical Korean phrasebook or Korean dictionary. The book is broken into four basic sections: Common Korean Expressions and Key Words, Essential Korean Communication Tools, Korean Travel Vocabulary and Useful Korean Expressions, and Korean Pronunciation Guides for Key Korean Names and Signs. All Korean words and phrases are written in Romanized form as well phonetically, making pronouncing Korean a breeze. For example, the word for "Hello", Yoboseyo is also written as Yoe-boh-say-yoh. Authentic Korean script (Hangul) is also included so that in the case of difficulties the book can be shown to the person the user is trying to communicate with. Key features of Survival Korean include: Hundreds of useful Korean words and expressions. Up-to-date internet, mobile, and social media terms An English-Korean index with more than 1,000 additional words and their pronunciation for quick reference. Romanized forms, phonetic spellings, and Korean script (Hangul) for all words and phrases. A concise background and history of the Korean language. An introduction to the Korean Alphabet. A pronunciation guide for Korean syllables. A guide to Korean grammar.




The 6 Keys to a Good Life - What You Must Know & Do to Live a Full Life


Book Description

Author Boye Lafayette De Mente identifies and describes the six overlapping elements in life--the physical, emotional, sexual, intellectual, spiritual and philosophical--that determine the quality of life, and provides specific and provocative guidelines for understanding, coping with, and making the best use of these elements. De Mente is internationally known for his 60-plus books on business ethics, culture, the influence of language on human behavior and the role of sex in human affairs. He has received numerous accolades for the clarity and impact of his writing style.




Instant Japanese


Book Description

It's amazing how 100 key words and phrases provide instant communication! Do you want to speak simple Japanese but are too busy to study it? Are you visiting Japan for a short time and want a Japanese phrase book to help you communicate? If so, then this thoroughly revised second edition of Boye Lafayette De Mente's classic, bestselling phrase book and Japanese dictionary is for you. It's tiny 0.4 x 4.1 x 5.9 inches size makes it incredibly convenient to travel with but without losing the essential content for communication. The idea of Instant Japanese is simple--learn 100 words and phrases and say 1,000 things. The trick is knowing which 100 words to learn, but the author, De Mente has solved the problem, choosing only those words you'll hear again and again. Even with a vocabulary this small, you'll be surprised how quickly and fluently you too can communicate in the Japanese language. Words are repeated in different combinations, building familiarity without effort. A brief guide to pronunciation allows the user to say the phrases correctly and a Japanese dictionary allows for quick reference. Here's a sample of what you'll be able to do with this Japanese phrasebook: Meet people Go shopping Ask directions Ride the subway Order food and drinks And much more… About this new edition: This new, expanded edition contains 15% more content, fun manga-style illustrations, Japanese etiquette tips and additional information on which destinations, personalities and trends are hot in Japan right now!




NTC's Dictionary of Japan's Cultural Code Words


Book Description

For centuries the Japanese used their language as a barrier to prevent non-Japanese from learning about the inner workings of Japnese society and to ward off foreign influence. In fact, for a long period in Japan's history the teeaching of Japanese to foreigners was a serious crime against the state. In this enlightening work, renowned Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente discusses how the psychology of the social and political system that evolved over the centuries became imbued in and expressed by the language to a degree seldom seen in other cultures. The author brings more than 25 years of experience in Japan to the task of revealing the hidden cultural significance of current expressions in the Japanese language. With ample reference to history, psychology, philosophy, and religion, the reader learns how the Japanese view certain behaviours and attitudes and why they are conditioned to respond in certain ways to specific situations. Features: 230 quintessentially Japanese expressions that every Japanese knows - and believes that non-Japanese cannot possibly understand a 14-entry set of introductory readings, designed to offer a broad cultural overview of Japan cross-referencing of entires by thematic groupings, such as "Loyalty," "Collective Behaviour," and "Leadership" This innovative text provides readers with the insights necessary for effective communication with their Japanese counterparts. Whatever your involvement with Japan - personal, travel, or business - NTC's Dictionary of Japan's Cultural Code Words is an invaluable and one-of-a-kind reference.