First name policy is the essence of US culture. For example, Professor Keiichi Aki, the “creator” of modern seismology (it’s not exaggeration!), was called “Aki Sensei! (Professor Aki!)” from Japanese scientists. However, everybody in US said “Hi Kei!”. This unthinkable difference was the first typical cultural shocks of visitors from Japan.
The story of Kei is just funny. However, it was also serious problem for me. When and how should I call them? A few weeks ago, I sent e-mail to an associate professor of my Department. I started the mail by “Dear Dr.” and his last name. He replayed “you may call me with my first name. It is Americal style!” In fact, a few days before his e-mail, my supervisor, he was actually one of a student of Kei Aki when he studied at MIT, said to me, “You are too polite. When you are in Roman, do as Romans do! ” I should have noticed that I could call by their first name almost immediately. It took a few months until I get used to this custom.
As I briefly addressed, I rode on a research vessel with my supervisor. A colleague of my supervisor, a professor of University of Washington, also rode on. He was a pioneer of my research area and I called him Dr. and his last name. He must feel awkwardness of my calling his name. I just wish he understand my intention and I did not rude by my inappropriate politeness.
I feel the fist name policy result in the attitude to discussion in US. Free discussion is not always required in Japan. In addition, people easily become sensitive in discussion. When you are in USA, it does not matter to express your opinion to your advisers or they prefer it. If you have conference, everybody does not hesitate to express opinions. I really like this aspect of culture and tried to express my opinion as much as possible though my discussion skill have significant gap with native people.
This aspect of culture seems to results in the opinion when people gather at the same time. It is very difficult to have questions if a lot of people gather in Japan. However, people in US, never hesitate to express their opinion even in front of a lot of people. The essence of first name policy in US is not just the rule of politeness but fundamental attitude to communication.
Unfortunately, I did not understand this part of culture appropriately (not like Char!). I expressed my opinion to my advisors in Japan. It was not so bad at the beginning. However, they began to avoid discussing with me. Finally, I had difficulty in ordinal communication. It is very strange that I could not understand Japanese culture though I was native Japanese. The sense of communication determined minute way than I expected.
I had to say that that might occur because my university was in the suburb area. In addition, my major was mining, the old fashioned study. These days, the society is rapidly changing and brief and essential communication is required in companies. You had to say your conclusion of your talk at the beginning. Vague communication is unacceptable in society.
Japan is a leading country in Earth Science. Japan had a large Oceanographic Institution like WHOI in US in addition to the Earthquake Research Institute of Tokyo University. Japan is a very important colleague at Integrated Ocean Drilling project for scientists in US. However, they are still regarded as people who have unique culture. I feel that from Char’s interesting talk and my supervisor’s experience.
As you know, USA is the leading country in Science. For example, the Department of Geological Sciences at University of Oregon is a small department in USA. Some university has larger department. However, some faculty is even far better than ordinary professors in University of Tokyo. The productive environment and English as their mother tongue result in their excellence. On the other hand, the equality and attitude to free discussion must enhance quality of their works. I hope this environment result in my achievement.
