EY Y03 L40 Manners

This week’s Questions

If we asked your friends and family about you, do you think they would describe you as “polite” and “well mannered”? Why do you think so?
Who is the most polite or sophisticated person you know? Tell us about them. Who are they? How do you know them? Where are they from? Why do you think they have such impeccable manners?
Name three types of behaviour that are commonly considered bad manners. Which of these bothers you the most? Why?
What would you do if you saw someone doing this in public?
Tell us about the rudest encounter that you’ve ever had or witnessed. Where was it? What happened? How did you handle the situation?
Imagine you have a foreign friend visiting Japan for the first time. What advice would you give to them about Japanese manners and etiquette?

This week’s Responses

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Teacher’s Compositions

by Antonio Santosa

March 1, 2022

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Question 1

I believe that my parents would say so but I don't think my sister will agree with them! My mom emphasized that "manners maketh man." I will never forget her teachings and it's one of the most important life lessons that I've learned from her.

Question 2

If I had to choose one, it's probably one of my dad's staff. He's one of the most loyal and polite individuals that I know. He has served in my dad's company since before I was born. He's from Java, Indonesia. I believe that respect and humility are two of the most important values in his family.

Question 3

Three types of behavior that I consider bad manners are gossiping, being self-absorbed, and interrupting someone when they're talking. Being interrupted while talking is probably the most annoying one.

Question 4

If it's someone I know, I would tell them off since it's basic manners to not cut people off while talking. The situation would be different if it's someone that I don't know.

Question 5

Back in 2019, there was a church member who did something unthinkable, let's call him "S" for anonymity. My friend and I just came back from China and we gave him a snack that's very popular in the region. S had a weird look on his face and tried the snack in front of us. He immediately spat out what he just put in his mouth and told us that he didn't like it. What happened next should be a story for another time.

Question 6

I would tell them to be punctual! Being late to an appointment or meeting is just not acceptable around here. I have so many friends who still can't be punctual even after years of living in Japan.