Understanding a people and their culture through code words and language. Today, South Korea is an economic, technological and entertainment superpower. How, as a country, did they rebound from war, poverty and political unrest? And how can that success be replicated in other cultures? The answers can, in fact, be found by understanding Korean customs, values and beliefs. Author Boye Lafayette De Mente identifies the unique qualities that comprise the Korean identity and articulates their modern expressions of Korean culture and history in this book. Organized alphabetically by topic, De Mente explains the critical cultural code words that make Korea the country it is today. Anyone interested in Korean etiquette, whether for travel or work, will discover that their meanings extend far beyond superficial English translations to deeper interpretations. Cultural code words include: Aboji, Ah-boh-jee -- The "Father Culture" Anae, Ah-negh -- Wives: The Inside People Han Yak, Hahn Yahk -- The Herbal Way to Health Innae, Een-nay -- A Culture of Enduring Katun Sosuy Pap, Kaht-unn Soh-suut Pahp -- Eating from the Same Rice Bowl And over 200 more… This in-depth discussion covers the concepts and principles that are integral to the Korean way of life and provides all the Korean history and insight necessary for those readers eager to learn the secrets of this resilient and burgeoning, yet little-understood nation.
FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS, PRETEENS & TEENS: Japan's famous samurai warriors, who ruled the country from 1192 until 1868, were one of the most remarkable groups of people the world has ever seen. Their skills with the sword and other weapons of war have seldom been equaled and never surpassed. During the latter centuries of the samurai reign their training went beyond the martial arts to include such cultural pursuits as poetry, painting, calligraphy, history, philosophy and human behavior. Schooling in the skills and knowledge necessary to produce a samurai began in early childhood, and was a lifelong effort. Samurai Principles & Practices That Will Help Preteens & Teens in School, Sports, Social Activities & Choosing Careers, by internationally known Japanologist and author Boy Lafayette De Mente, identifies the principles and practices that made up the educational and training process of samurai youths. The book covers all of the basics of the samurai training-setting goals, discipline, diligence, perseverance, respect, personal appearance, keeping things in order, using intuitive and emotional intelligence, and tapping into cosmic power. De Mente says that training in karate, kendo (the way of the sword) and meditation are paths to learning the skills, morality and motivation that made the samurai so successful, and recommends that this training be incorporated into the educational system of Western countries. An intriguing handbook for success that should especially appeal to the video game generation...
The human brain has a left side and a right side and it is well known that the two sides are programmed to perform different functions. There is growing evidence that sexual gender, the language one first learns as a child, and the culture in which one is raised play primary roles in determining which side of the brain is engaged at particular times.
The oral history of Arizona's Hopi Indian tribe tells them that they were the first human beings to inhabit the North and South American continents and that they arrived aboard large rafts, island-hopping across the Pacific Ocean...not by the land bridge that once connected Alaska and Siberia. The details of their arrival, splitting up into groups and going in different directions to populate the two continents, are so detailed that it is hard to believe that they are just myths concocted for some ulterior purpose. In this provocative title, the author, known for his code-word books on the cultures of China, Japan, Korea and Mexico, uses key Hopi words as windows to reveal the traditional beliefs, customs and spirit of the Hopi people. The spiritual-based lifestyle they created was in many ways far superior to those that developed in Europe and other parts of the world...especially in their understanding of both humans and nature, and the cosmos at large. Perhaps most astounding of all in the story of the Hopi is their tradition of prophecies and their in-credible accuracy.
Kata [kah-tah], which translates as "form, process, way of doing things," is the Rosetta stone of Japan's traditional culture - the key that unlocked both the mystery and the mystique associated with how the Japanese did business and conducted their personal and professional affairs. Expressed another way, kata were the cultural molds that created and controlled the traditional behavior of the Japanese and were the source of both their strengths and weaknesses. Still today all dealings in Japan are influenced by the kata that continue to influence the mindset and behavior of the Japanese, yet most foreigners are not aware that they exist. Knowledge of the kata strips away the cultural cloak hiding the Japanese from the outside world and reveals the essence of the famous Japanese Way. For foreigners to deal effectively with the Japanese - in both personal and business matters - they must know when and how to induce them to break the kata molds and behave in a non-Japanese way. Younger generations of Westernized Japanese break the molds until they go to work, then they must conform to the kata that remain in whatever company they join.
This fascinating Japanese culture and business guide explains how bushido samurai culture has influenced modern Japanese behavior and business practices. Bushido, the ethical system of Japan's famous samurai class, which ruled the country from 1192 until 1868, eventually came to encompass every aspect of the lives of the people—their philosophical and spiritual beliefs, their etiquette, their family life, their dress, their work, their aesthetic sense, even their recreation. In The Japanese Samurai Code, Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente attempts to identify the positive factors in Bushido that were primarily responsible for the astounding economic success of the Japanese, and still today play a vital role in their economic prowess. Perfect for those interested in doing business in, or with, Japan, or just trying to improve their own personal skills and performance, this book is a success manual for people in any endeavor. Chapters include: The Power of the Samurai Culture—Kyoui no Bushi Bunka The Spirit that Motivates the Japanese—Nihonjin no Seishin Taking the Best & Leaving the Rest—Shusha Sentaku no "Myou" The Power of Dignity—Hinkaku no Chikara The Samurai Work Ethic—Bushi no Roudoh Rinri Knowing Without Being Told—Anmoku no Ryokai Adjusting to Change—Henka ni Taiou The Discriminating Mind—Urusai no Hitotachi and more!
Japan is known worldwide for its economic prowess and such iconic symbols as geisha, karaoke, manga, Mt. Fuji, ninja, feudal-age samurai warriors and huge sumo wrestlers. What is not so well-known are its amazing historical artifacts [shrines; temples; castles; the world's largest and oldest wooden buildings; arts and crafts, hundreds of annual festivals that go back nearly two thousand years]; the incredible scenic beauty of its mountains, gorges, rivers, one of the longest and most gorgeous coastlines in the world; and a combined modern and traditional lifestyle that is so fascinating and seductive that exposure to it for just a few days is a mind-altering experience. The author identifies and describes a choice selection of things that make Japan one of the world's most unusual, most intriguing, and most enjoyable travel destinations...things that explain why so many foreigners take up permanent residence there once they have experienced life in this amazing country.
Dining in Japan is both an art and an adventure-- an experience that is made memorable by the variety of unique dishes, their gourmet quality, and the style in which they are served! With Dining Guide to Japan, you will have an extensive list of Japanese restaurants and exquisite food dishes. Dining Guide to Japan acts as a perfect Japan travel guide which includes: Dining and Transportation Maps Japanese Dining Vocabulary and Pronunciation Additional Food Vocabulary Detailed Descriptions of Japanese Cuisine Japan is literally a diner's paradise, with restaurants featuring the world's leading cuisine, from Chinese, French, German, Greek, Indian, Italian, Korean and Russian to Vietnamese. Japan's traditional food is world famous for its health and longevity enhancing properties and is not all rice and raw fish. In fact, Japanese cuisine is both varied in ingredients and cooking styles, and most foreign visitors quickly develop a taste for such things as miso soup, nori, oyako-don, ramen, shabu-shabu, soba, sukiyaki, tofu, tonkatsu, udon, unagi, yaki-tori… and yes, even fugu, the deadly globefish!
Understanding a people and their culture through code words and language. Today, South Korea is an economic, technological and entertainment superpower. How, as a country, did they rebound from war, poverty and political unrest? And how can that success be replicated in other cultures? The answers can, in fact, be found by understanding Korean customs, values and beliefs. Author Boye Lafayette De Mente identifies the unique qualities that comprise the Korean identity and articulates their modern expressions of Korean culture and history in this book. Organized alphabetically by topic, De Mente explains the critical cultural code words that make Korea the country it is today. Anyone interested in Korean etiquette, whether for travel or work, will discover that their meanings extend far beyond superficial English translations to deeper interpretations. Cultural code words include: Aboji, Ah-boh-jee -- The "Father Culture" Anae, Ah-negh -- Wives: The Inside People Han Yak, Hahn Yahk -- The Herbal Way to Health Innae, Een-nay -- A Culture of Enduring Katun Sosuy Pap, Kaht-unn Soh-suut Pahp -- Eating from the Same Rice Bowl And over 200 more… This in-depth discussion covers the concepts and principles that are integral to the Korean way of life and provides all the Korean history and insight necessary for those readers eager to learn the secrets of this resilient and burgeoning, yet little-understood nation.
Conducting business in Japan: a delicate and valuable skill is explained by a true master of Japanese culture. Not only is Japan the world's third largest economy, it is a global center for design for non-Japanese businesses looking to expand into international markets. But business people from outside Japan quickly discover that doing business in Japan is unlike anything they've experienced before. They find Japanese business etiquette and culture both highly regimented and maddeningly impenetrable--making it difficult to identify, much less approach, key decision-makers, or to bring negotiations to a successful close. Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente explains the key aspects of Japanese business practices and protocols with specific advice for approaching and engaging with Japanese executives, their staffs, and their organizations. Business Guide to Japan offers yo invaluable insights into how to unravel the complicated maze of business bureaucracy, interpret verbal and written messages from your contacts, and create the critical social "comfort zone" necessary for working with Japanese companies. Doing business with the Japanese can be both challenging and rewarding, and the Business Guide to Japan offers you precise guidelines for success.
One of the most remarkable adventures on record, ONCE A FOOL -- From Tokyo to Alaska by American journalist Boye Lafayette De Mente recounts his experiences aboard the the jeep Half-Safe, with Australian Ben Carlin--a voyage that took precisely four months and involved encounters with Russians, Japanese fishing nets, huge walruses, a tidal wave, a Yellow Monster, water colder than ice, and each other! One of the most publicized ocean-crossings in the 20th century, the story of the globe-circling amphibious jeep is in the Guinness Book of World Records.
This book is a comprehensive, expert guide to doing business in China Western technology, management expertise and capital have fueled an incredible expansion of China's economy. Trade with China is at an all-time high, and so are the numbers of Westerners traveling to China for business. Business from China has also picked up as Chinese firms look to expand abroad. Understanding the ins and outs of the confusing and often contradictory Chinese business culture can lend an enormous advantage. The Chinese Way in Business is an invaluable tool that teaches Westerners the basic Chinese philosophy of doing business and how to cultivate strong personal relationships with Chinese business people and Chinese nationals. The author, Boye Lafayette De Mente worked in Asia for over thirty years as a journalist and business consultant and has long been considered an authority on East Asian business. In this book, he reveals the historical factors, collective traits and individual qualities that determine how the Chinese do business today, and the direction their economy will take in the future. His is a true insider's view--whether the topic is the legal framework for business development, or the importance of social relationships to successful business dealings in China. The book is broken into ten key parts: Introduction: The Land and the People--includes an overview of Chinese ethnicity and the languages of China Part One:Return of the Central Kingdom--an extensive overview of recent events and new technologies in China Part Two: The Historical Perspective--Chinese philosophy and the Chinese mindset from antiquity to modern times Part Three: Doing Business in China--A detailed analysis of the nuts and bolts of Chinese Business Part Four: Key Concepts in Chinese Business--Concepts native to China such as Guanxi (relationships) that drive Chinese business practice Part Five: Additional Business Vocabulary Part Six: Glossary of Useful Terms--designed for quick referencing Part Seven: Internet Gateways to China--An overview of the dynamic online world in China Part Eight: Miscellaneous Information--contains information about English Language Publications and Weather Patterns Part Nine: Learning Some New Skills--Classical Chinese techniques which might benefit Western business people
Bargain shopping in Japan can be a challenge, but this book succinctly explains all the ins and outs to making the most of your Japanese shopping experience. Japan is the shopping capital of the world--unequaled in the number, variety and convenience of its shopping venues. The Shopping Guide to Japan is a one-of-a kind Japan guidebook that provides detailed information about methods of payment, prices, taxes, tax-free goods, store hours, discount days, store etiquette, returns and refunds, and in-store bargaining. The shopping book covers all of the main shopping categories in Japan--from boutiques and departments stores to flea markets, shopping streets, train station shopping, bargain shopping and airport shopping. In addition to the primary shopping areas in Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, the book covers Sendai and Sapporo in the north and Naha on the Island of Okinawa.
How Serendipity Shaped the Lifeof Author Boyé Lafayette De MenteThis is the personal memoir of author Boyé Lafayette De Mente, the 4th of ten children born to poor parents in an isolated valley in the Ozark Hills of southeast Missouri, and raised during the Great Depression of the 1930s.He went on to have a remarkable life which he attributes to the incredible power of serendipity. As editor of The IMPORTER magazine in Tokyo in the late 1950s and early 1960s and as the author of numerous pioneer books on the mindset and business practices of the Chinese, Japanese and South Koreans he made major contributions to the initial rise of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China as economic superpowers. He played a leading role in helping to launch the career of Thunderbird School of Global Management alumnae brother Merle Hinrichs who became the largest trade magazine publisher in Asia, a major financial donor to Thunderbird and member of the board of directors. And he launched the publishing career of Kentucky hillbilly Larry Flynt who achieved great wealth and notoriety as the publisher of HUSTLER magazine and champion of freedom of speech. [On the day De Mente met Flynt he told his wife that he had just met a 26-year old man who had the intelligence and drive to become president of the United States by the time he was old enough to qualify for the office.] De Mente's encounters and relationships with such extraordinary individuals as Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, America's ranking naval officer during World War II; Akio Morita, co-founder and leading light of what was to become the Sony empire; Toshio Karita, former protocol officer for the Imperial Family of Japan; and Daisetzu Suzuki, Japan's leading Zen master, plus many more, were experiences he could not have even dreamed about before they happened. His story is an example of the potential of ordinary individuals to achieve significant things when life presents opportunities and they follow up on them.
This pocket atlas and Japan travel guide is an indispensable tool for getting around Tokyo--whether as a first-time visitor, or a local resident. The travel book is conveniently divided into chapters that enable the user to know what to do on arriving at Narita or Haneda Airport, and then how to get into and around the city using all available means of public transport. Area maps for all the key districts of Tokyo show the locations of hotels, shopping centers, office buildings, temples, shrines, embassies and restaurants as well as their proximity to the nearest subway and JR stations. Information on bus routes and private railways is also given, with detailed diagrams for each route, thus enabling the user to have several options for getting around. Places of interest outside Tokyo are also covered: Hakone, Yokohama, Kamakura, Yokosuka, Mt Fuji and Tokyo Disneyland. Numerous area maps (including maps for Yokota, Atsugi and Zama) and diagrams for bus routes and private railways facilitate journeys to all of these destinations. This Tokyo travel guide contains: Arriving in Tokyo Maps of Tokyo Navigating the Tokyo's Railway & Subway & Maze Buses Routes Getting Around Yokohama, Kawasaki, Hakone & Kamakura Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
The Bizarre and the Wondrous from the Land of the Rising Sun highlights unique aspects of Japan-ancient and modern-that have made the country fascinating to Westerners since they first stumbled upon the islands in 1543. These unusual attractions range from high-tech robots that do such things as act as tourist guides and perform delicate surgery, to festivals that go back more than two thousand years and strike many foreign visitors as being bizarre. Among the celebrations that could be labeled as bizarre are annual fertility festivals that feature authentic-looking replicas of the male penis carved in wood, from purse-size versions to ones that are over two meters long and weigh up to 800 pounds. The best known of the fertility festivals is the one staged each March 15 by the Tagata Shrine near the city of Nagoya. The largest wooden penis is carved anew each year, and after the ceremony is kept on display in the main shrine building until the following year when it is sold to private buyers. On the day of the festival the large version of the erect male organ is pulled through the streets on a wheeled cart by up to 12 men to the delight of raucous crowds and child-bearing-age women who try to touch the replica in order to increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Other penis replicas are edible versions made like candy and cookies that are sold to visitors as snacks and souvenirs to take home. Also on the incredible side is a legend that the young Jewish man now known and worshipped by Christians as Jesus Christ the son of God did not die on the cross-that, in fact, he lived and died in Herai Village in Japan. According to the Christian Bible Jesus was born in Israel. There is no further mention of him in the Bible until he is 12 years old when he appears at a Jewish synagogue and lambasts the rabbis for their un-Christian like behavior. The next mention of Jesus in the Bible is when he is in his early 30s and shows up at the Jordan River to be baptized by John, a well-known Jewish preacher. According to the Japanese legend, Jesus and his brother Isukiri spent most of those missing years in Japan, returning to Judea when Jesus was 34 years old. The story goes on to say that after he was betrayed to the Roman authorities he fled back to Japan, and it was his brother who was crucified. The story adds that Jesus married a Japanese girl, became a rice farmer, and lived the rest of his life in Herai [later renamed Shingo]. There is a tomb in Herai that has long been known as the burial place of Jesus [Jehova], the son of Mary. In the book, De Mente goes on to explain how the legend and the tomb became known to present-day Japanese authorities and was publicized in English for the first time in 1935. De Mente says he learned about the story in Tokyo in the early 1950s when he was editor of a monthly cultural magazine, including seeing a photograph of documentary evidence from a museum in Herai. Other fascinating stories in the book include how the infamous secret agents and assassins known as ninja [neen-jah] became a major part of Japanese history; why and how Japan became the first nation in the world to have a national network of roadside inns spaced one day's march apart; why the Japanese are so skilled at producing arts and crafts of extraordinary beauty; why single Japanese girls and men have a hard time hooking up; why Japan's izakaya are more fun than Irish pubs; why rice and other vegetables grow on top of buildings; how the Japanese came up with a new reason for wearing clothes...and some 50-plus other fascinating stories.
This is a handy and comprehensive Japanese dictionary intended for use in a business setting. Newly revised, Tuttle Japanese Business Dictionary contains over 4,000 key terms that provide the essential vocabulary for clear and productive discussions between Japanese and English speaking businesspeople. These terms are usually used to clarify negotiating positions and to settle contract terms and conditions. Each term is listed alphabetically, with the romanized pronunciation (including the author's unique phonetic system to facilitate correct pronunciation and the Japanese script given, followed by its English explanation. Where appropriate, example sentences are also included to demonstrate the proper usage of the terms. Useful information in the front of the book includes a section on how to use the dictionary, special language pointers, Japanese business etiquette and common Japanese expressions. Over 4,000 contemporary business terms. A guide to business phrases and etiquette. Compact and user-friendly layout. Handy reference guide for businesspeople who deal frequently with Japanese speakers.
Learn the elements of the timeless beauty that is Japanese design in this concise reference volume. Japanese design is known throughout the world for its beauty, its simplicity, and its blending of traditional and contemporary effects. This succinct guide describes the influence and importance of 65 key elements that make up Japanese design, detailing their origins--and their impact on fields ranging from architecture and interior design to consumer products and high fashion. Learn, for example, how the wabi sabi style that's so popular today developed from the lifestyle choices made by monks a thousand years ago. And how unexpected influences--like tatami (straw mats) or seijaku (silence)--have contributed to contemporary Japanese design. Elements of Japanese Design offers new insights into the historical and cultural developments at the root of this now international aesthetic movement. From wa (harmony) to kaizen (continuous improvement), from mushin (the empty mind) to mujo (incompleteness), you'll discover how these elements have combined and evolved into a powerful design paradigm that has changed the way the world looks, thinks and acts. Chapters include: Washi, Paper with Character Ikebana, Growing Flowers in a Vase Bukkyo, The Impact of Buddhism Shibui, Eliminating the Unessential Kawaii, The Incredibly "Cute" Syndrome Katana, Swords with Spirit
It's amazing how 100 key words and phrases provide instant communication! Do you want to speak simple Korean but are too busy to study it? Are you visiting Korea for a short time and want a Korean phrase book to help you communicate? If so, this Korean phrasebook 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 most essential content for communication. This new, expanded edition contains 15% more content, fun manga-style illustrations, and additional information on which destinations, personalities and trends are hot in Korea right now! The idea of Instant Korean is simple--learn 100 words and phrases and say 1,000 things. The trick is knowing which 100 words to learn, but the author Boye Demente has solved the problem, choosing only those words you'll hear again and again. Even with a Korean language vocabulary this small, you'll be surprised how quickly you can learn Korean and how fluently you too can communicate in Korean. An English-Korean dictionary makes looking up words and phrases simple and quick. Here's a sample of what you'll be able to do with this Korean phrasebook: Meet people. Go shopping. Ask directions. Ride the subway. Order food and drinks. And much more. About the new edition: This revised edition has manga illustrations to give visual cues for language use in context, and useful cultural notes on what's proper in Korea--how to address someone based on the hierarchy in societal structure (age, gender and how well acquainted with the other party), how to get the attention of a wait staff in a restaurant, etc.
A handy Mandarin Chinese phrasebook and guide to the Chinese language, Survival Chinese contains basic vocabulary necessary for getting around. This book contains all the necessary words and phrases for speaking Mandarin Chinese in any kind of setting. Perfect for students, tourists, or business people learning Mandarin or traveling to China or Taiwan, it also contains a beginner guide to the Mandarin language, allowing for a deeper understanding of Chinese than a typical Mandarin phrasebook or Chinese dictionary. The book is broken into four basic sections: Common Chinese Expressions and Key Words, Essential Chinese Communication Tools, Chinese Travel Vocabulary, and making your own sentences. All Chinese words and phrases are written in Romanized form (pinyin) as well phonetically, making pronouncing Chinese a breeze. For example, the word for "reservation", yuding is also written as yuu-deeng. Authentic Chinese characters are 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 Chinese include: Hundreds of useful Chinese words and expressions. An A-Z index which allows the book to function as a English to Chinese dictionary. Romanized forms, phonetic spellings, and Chinese Characters (Hanzi) for all words and phrases. A concise background and history of the Chinese language. A complete guide to Chinese pronunciations. A concise guide to using Chinese tones. A brief introduction to Chinese grammar.
A handy Japanese phrasebook and guide to the Japanese language, Survival Japanese contains basic vocabulary necessary for travelling in Japan. This book contains all the necessary words and phrases for speaking Japanese in any kind of setting. Perfect for students, tourists, or business people learning Japanese or travelling to Japan, it also contains a beginner guide to the Japanese language, allowing for a deeper understanding of Japanese than a typical Japanese phrasebook or Japanese dictionary. The phrase book is broken into two basic sections: Common Japanese Expressions and Key Words, and Japanese Pronunciation Guides for Key Japanese Names and Signs. All Japanese words and phrases are written in Romanized form as well phonetically, making pronouncing Japanese a breeze. For example, the word for "hotel", hoteru is also written as hoe-tay-rue. Authentic Japanese script (Kanji and Kana) 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 Japanese include: Hundreds of useful Japanese words and expressions. A short Japanese dictionary in the back Up-to-date expressions for the internet, mobile, and social media Romanized forms, phonetic spellings, and Japanese script (Kanji and Kana) for all words and phrases. Tone markings indicated for all words and phrases A concise background and history of the Japanese language. A pronunciation guide for Japanese words including long vowels, double consonants, and accents. A guide to Japanese grammar including word order, questions, singular vs. plural, and formal, vs. informal.
The economies of the advanced countries have gone global, but not the cultures This presents a plethora of problems that include economic as well as political affairs, especially with countries whose cultures are often so different that compromises--much less agreements--range from difficult to impossible. In this book, author Boy Lafayette De Mente, known for his pioneer books on the business and social cultures of China, Japan, Korea and Mexico, presents a series of business-oriented insights that take much of the mystery out of the mindset and behavior of the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans and Mexicans. It is excellent background reading for business people, diplomats, political leaders, academics and students.
ARIZONA'S INDIAN COUNTRY!--Twenty-eight percent of Arizona, the 6th largest of the American states, is INDIAN COUNTRY. Arizona was Indian Country thousands of years before the first Europeans set foot on the North and South American continents, and it is still Indian Country today! Seventeen tribes live on 23 Reservations that encompass a total of over 20 million acres that include some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery on planet Earth. Many of Arizona's most amazing attractions-cultural, geographic, historical and recreational-are in its Indian Country! In fact, Arizona owes much of its fame to several serendipitous circumstances: the great Grand Canyon, its spectacular desert and mountain scenery, its climate, and its Indian nations. This is a historical, economic, social, cultural and recreational guide to the state's Native American people...an amazing story of their survival in the face of incredible odds and their growing importance in Arizona.
Arizona is unique among American states, not only in its geography and geology but also in the diversity of its climate, in its indigenous animal and plant life, and in the history of its first inhabitants-communities of Indians whose ancestors arrived on the scene more than 20,000 years ago. Arizona is also the youngest of the contiguous mainland states of America...precisely because of these very same factors. Its climate, geography and Indian tribes were major barriers that prevented the territory from becoming widely populated by the Spanish, Mexicans and early European-Americans, and from being used as a cross-roads by American fur/pelt trappers, gold prospectors and settlers who began pushing west in the mid-1800s. Now, it is exactly these same factors that make Arizona a great place to live as well as a world-famous travel destination. The stories of how Arizona finally became what it is today are as amazing as the lay and the beauty of the land. Great background reading for residents and visitors alike, and an ideal gift.
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.
This essential guide to Chinese etiquette will make embarrassing social blunders a thing of the past! Whether you're traveling to China for business or pleasure, whether your stay will be long or short, your visit will be more pleasurable and effective if you understand your host culture and how to work within it. This updated and expanded edition of the best-selling Chinese etiquette guide on the market addresses not just the puzzling protocols relating to name cards, bowing or shaking hands, bathrooms and public baths--but also what to do when entertaining Chinese dinner guests, attending a Chinese tea ceremony, taking the subway, and much more! It also provides the latest etiquette in mobile phone manners, texting, social media and other forms of digital communication. The glossary at the back of the book has been revised to include the latest technology-related words and expressions used in China today. Two new chapters address the changing role of foreigners in the workplace and the contemporary business style and etiquette used by the younger generation of China who are now increasingly cosmopolitan--but still very Chinese! Etiquette Guide to China includes everything you need to know to be a successful, courteous traveler: Hand gestures and body language How to address the Chinese Dining and restaurant manners Gift giving and celebration in China Entering into and understanding business relationships How to behave in professional situations Dealing with China's political culture The Chinese way of negotiating
Farewell to faux pas! Minding your manners is an acquired skill, but what serves you well elsewhere could trip you up in Japan. Save yourself possible embarrassment with Etiquette Guide to Japan. An inside look at Japanese social graces, it answers all the questions of the thoughtful traveler. Extensive, specific information on Japanese business etiquette assists readers traveling to Japan for business. Although often overshadowed by a modern facade, long-standing traditional aspects of Japan's culture still influence the country and almost everyone in it. Concrete evidence of this traditional culture can be seen everywhere--in the ancient arts and crafts that are still important parts of everyday life, in the many shrines and temples that dot the nation, and in the modern comeback of traditional fashions such as kimono and yakata robes. To many Western visitors, however, the most obvious example of this traditional culture's strength is the unique etiquette of the Japanese. Like many nations, Japan has experienced vast political, social, and economic change over the past century. But enough of Japan's traditional etiquette remains to set the Japanese apart socially and psychologically and to make success in socializing and doing business with them a special challenge for Westerners. About this new version: This updated and expanded edition of the best-selling Japanese etiquette guide addresses not just the puzzling protocols relating to name cards, bowing or shaking hands, bathrooms and public baths--but also what to do when entertaining Japanese dinner guests, attending a Japanese tea ceremony, taking the subway, and much more! It also provides the latest etiquette in mobile phone manners, texting, social media and other forms of digital communication. The glossary at the back of the book has been revised to include the latest technology-related words and expressions used by Japanese today. Two new chapters address the changing role of foreigners in the workplace and the contemporary business style and etiquette used by the younger generation of Japanese who are now increasingly cosmopolitan--but still very Japanese!
The Book of Five Rings by Musashi Myamoto provides valuable lessons for anyone facing challenging circumstances--from business, war, and sports to fields of art, love, and politics. Samurai Strategies has extracted the fundamentals of Musashi's martial tactics and explains them here in a context for use in the modern world. These strategies for winning are as valid today as they were in 17th century Japan and provide valuable insights for anyone in any field to endeavor. About his new edition: This expanded edition of Samurai Strategies features a new introduction by the author, and additional commentary in each chapter by renowned Japanese author and samurai expert Michihiro Matsumoto.
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!
It's amazing how 100 key words and phrases provide instant communication! Do you want to speak simple Mandarin Chinese but are too busy to study it? Are you visiting China for a short time and want a Mandarin phrase book to help you communicate in the Chinese language? If so, this Mandarin phrasebook and 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 most essential content for communication. This new, expanded edition contains 15% more content, fun manga-style illustrations, and additional information on which destinations, personalities and trends are hot in China right now! The idea of Instant Chinese is simple--learn 100 words and phrases and say 1,000 things. The trick is knowing which 100 words to learn, but the author Boye Lafayette 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 Mandarin Chinese. Words are repeated in different combinations, building familiarity without effort. All phrases are given in both simplified Chinese characters and standard Hanoi Pinyin romanization. A brief guide to pronunciation allows the user to say the phrases correctly. An English-Chinese dictionary makes looking up a word or phrase simple and quick. Here's a sample of what you'll be able to do with this chinese phasebook: Meet people. Go shopping. Ask directions. Ride the subway. Order food and drinks. And much more.
A Cultural-Inside Guide for Businessmen & Travelers: Mexico's traditional values and morals were forged in a caldron of aggressive religious intolerance, corruption, racism, male chauvinism, and an elitist political system that connived with the Church to keep ordinary people ignorant and powerless, and deny them the most basic human rights. But the reality of Mexico has always been obscured behind a variety of masks-of piety, pride, courage, gaiety, indifference and stoicism. In this provocative and insightful book internationally known author Boye Lafayette De Mente goes behind the masks that have long obscured Mexico to reveal the cultural influences that created the character and personality of Mexicans, and provides guidelines for dealing with them.
Improve your understanding of Chinese people and culture through key words and language. The Chinese Mind pinpoints traditional Chinese values and behaviors that continue to play a significant role in their business and social relationships. Long-term expatriate and journalist Boye Lafayette De Mente also identifies key areas of Chinese culture that have changed as a result of the adoption of a market-based economy and other elements of Western culture. It includes discussion topics and questions, along with an extensive selection of Chinese "code words" that explain the essence and role of certain elements of traditional culture that have survived into modern times. Covering everything from the importance of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius to the influence of foreign fast food and video games, this book provides a wide-ranging glimpse into the Chinese mind. Some of the vital concepts explored here include: Yin and Yang--the search for balance in all things. Mianji--the importance of face. Hong--looking at things holistically. De--the power of virtue. Guo cui--the national essence of the Chinese. Zhong fu--the pursuit of insight. Bi --unity the Chinese way. The Chinese Mind is an excellent overview of Chinese tradition, history, and culture that is perfect for students, tourists, or anyone who is curious about life and business in China.
When the first white men showed up in Hawaii in 1778 it was the middle of a long fall and winter festival during which various sexual techniques were demonstrated by nude hula dancers, couples engaged in a bowling for partners game, and people played various other competitive sports. The foreign explorers assumed that the Hawaiians never worked and that sex was a universal sport-so to speak. American missionaries soon put a stop to this enlightened custom, and tried their best to completely and permanently ban hula dancing and surfing (in the nude, of course). But as time passed and the first generation of missionaries went to their reward, surfing, hula dancing and the pursuit of sexual pleasures regained some of the ground they had lost. Today's Hawaii is not as laid back as it was in its pre-missionary days, but the sun, the sand, the surf and the islands still work their seductive magic on residents and visitors alike. For vacationers, going to Hawaii is like a honeymoon whe-ther they are newlyweds or not.
This will help us customize your experience to showcase the most relevant content to your age group
Please select from below
Login
Not registered?
Sign up
Already registered?
Success – Your message will goes here
We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.