“Backchannels” are responses during conversation that show the listener is paying attention. In English, backchannels include “uh-huh” or “yeah.” The frequency of backchannels differs cross-culturally; for instance, the Japanese use backchannels much more often than Americans. Examine how this cultural difference in communication might affect Japanese perceptions of American conversational partners and vice versa.

What will be an ideal response?

An American speaking to a Japanese person may become annoyed or confused about the frequency of backchanneling. He or she may actually believe the other person is being sarcastic about how interesting the conversation is. On the other hand, a Japanese person speaking to an American may believe that the American is not paying attention and is being rude. Both possibilities could lead to a breakdown in communication and interfere with effective perception.