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TUTOR: Masumi. I must say I really like the topic of your research. It combine "humor ," "culture" with "translation", especially the case when humor is lost in translation between two diverse culture. You have a very good start, and I hope you are really enjoying the process of your project.
STUDENT: Thank you,Professor Coleman. I do enjoy the project.
TUTOR: I'd like to use this tutorial as a feedback session for your preliminary findings.Masumi,tell me why did you choose humor and culture as your topic?
STUDENT: I think the best way to establish good relationship with someone is to laugh with him. However, the same joke works quite well in one culture, but not in another. As Japanese, I have noticed a lot of cases.
TUTOR: You mean the difference arising from American culture and Japanese culture?
STUDENT: Yes.
TUTOR: Could you give me an example that you have noticed?
STUDENT: Typically, an American public speaker would break the ice with the audience by an anecdote or a joke.And when we Japanese see anyone doing that, we more or less conclude that the person is not serious.
TUTOR: Yes. It is a very good example of the fact that in terms of cross-cultural communication, humor is interpreted differently. In your research, you also need to make dear what kind of humor is in the context of Japan.
STUDENT: We do exchange jokes or lighthearted remarks, but all these are done at a very private and personal level.You never hear a Japanese prime minister beginning his state of nation message with a joke.
TUTOR: Does that mean you should leave your sense of humor behind when you visit Japan?
STUDENT: I don't think so. We like the story about how you tried to speak Japanese,but have failed. That's a humorous situation and Japanese hosts will react positively.
TUTOR: That could be categorized into "self-depreciation" in your paper.It is a very important part of your tradition. How do you connect "humor" and "culture" with "translation?"