Symbol of Authority or Social Noise? The Structural Background Where Nigerian "Presence" Clashes with Japanese "Wa"

Introduction: A Clash of Energies

In the field of cross-cultural communication, the most tragic misunderstandings arise not from "malice," but from "sincerity."

As a Japanese language teacher and a researcher with a cultural anthropological perspective, I have interacted with many multinational learners. However, the "temperature difference" that arises between Japanese people and those from West Africa, particularly Nigeria, is noteworthy.

Nigerians radiate energy outward to prove their authenticity. Conversely, the more sincere Japanese people try to be, the more they contract their energy inward. When these opposite vectors collide, the Japanese side perceives it as "intimidation," while the Nigerian side interprets the reaction as "rejection" or "incompetence."

In this article, we will delve into the social structures and historical backgrounds of both countries to unravel this "paradox of sincerity." What we need to learn is not merely an adjustment of manners, but an understanding of the cultural "OS" upon which the other's "presence" relies.

This discussion will focus on the following three points:

1. The sociological legitimacy of "vocal energy" in West Africa
2. The dynamics and physical sensations of "noise exclusion" in Japanese society
3. The path to "intellectual coexistence" to resolve gaps in semiotic interpretation

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The Sociological Value of "Loud Voices" in West Africa

Standing on a street corner in a Nigerian city like Lagos, one realizes that it is a space dominated by "sound." The "loud voices" and "dynamic gestures" spoken of here contain profound social meanings beyond what Japanese people might imagine.

"Broadcasting for Survival": Proof of Truth

Many regions in West Africa have historically strong traditions of "oral culture" and a background of constantly having to prove one's legitimacy within unpredictable social environments. In such a context, speaking with a weak voice can be seen as hiding a "lack of confidence" or "lies."

The message "I am here. I am telling the truth" only takes the form of public "truth" when accompanied by acoustic pressure (decibels).

Requirements for Leadership and Paralinguistic Information

In Nigeria, leaders and those in positions of responsibility are required to have a corresponding "presence." Here, presence refers to physical vocal volume, unwavering eye contact, and a physical expansiveness that dominates the space.

From a linguistic perspective, they place an extremely high weight on "how it is said (Paralanguage)" over "what is said (Content)." Vocal texture, rapid changes in pitch, and powerful gestures are the "guarantee of authenticity" that reinforces the content of the words.

Concrete Examples of West African Communication

1. Market Negotiation: When asserting the quality of goods, sellers shout their sincerity with loud voices. This is not mere advertising, but akin to a "vow" to the community.
2. Church Worship: Screams from the bottom of the soul and powerful applause are proofs of the depth of faith. Quiet prayer is sometimes misunderstood as a "lack of enthusiasm."
3. Business Pitch: To convey the certainty of their vision to investors, powerful gestures like banging on the table and eye contact that pierces through the other person are frequently used.
4. Family Discussions: When making important decisions, all family members develop their arguments simultaneously and loudly. This is not chaos, but a process for everyone to put their energy equally into the field.
5. Public Dispute Resolution: To prove one's innocence, one explains the situation loudly enough for those around to hear. This is an act of setting up a "public trial amidst onlookers" oneself.

Item	West African Interpretation	Social Function
Loud Voice	Sincerity, Confidence, Energy	Building trust / Proving truth
Strong Gaze	Honesty, Respect, Equality	Eliminating lies / Fixing relationships
Large Gestures	Passion, Persuasiveness, Openness	Dominating space / Exercising influence

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The Aesthetics of "Restraint" and Fear in Japan

Turning to Japanese society, there is a pervasive aesthetic of what might be called an "orientation towards contraction" (proposed by Korean scholar Lee O-Young), which condenses information and minimizes leakage to the outside.

Homogeneity and the Exclusion of "Noise"

Since ancient times, Japan has prioritized "Wa" (harmony) to distribute limited resources within a homogeneous group. In this society, individual protruding energy (loud voices or violent movements) is processed as "noise" that threatens the stability of the system.

For Japanese people, raising one's voice in public or business settings implies a "loss of reason." One appears as an immature person unable to control emotions, or as a "violent existence" lacking consideration for others.

Lack of Physical Communication and Defensive Instincts

Japanese physical sensation is protected by extremely high "boundaries (personal space)." In a culture that imbues deep meaning into minimal movements, as seen in Zen training and tea ceremony, dynamic physical expression is "excessive" and sometimes perceived as an "attack."

When a Nigerian steps forward with enthusiasm, eyes wide open, and emphasizes a point, the "Fight or Flight" response is triggered in the Japanese brain. The "logical understanding" that the other person is not angry but simply trying to be sincere cannot keep up with the physical "fear."

Concrete Examples of Japanese Communication (Sincerity in Silence)

6. Zen Meditation: Values that truth lies in silence. Stripping away words becomes proof of high intelligence.
7. Tea Ceremony Movements: The precision of movement down to the centimeter expresses respect (sincerity) for the guest. Large movements are considered "crude."
8. Workplace "Atmosphere": Understanding the other's intent without words is considered a high-level communication skill (sashi).
9. Silence on Crowded Trains: Presence suppressed to the limit to avoid "physical encroachment" in narrow spaces.
10. Etiquette of Apology: Instead of raising one's voice, one bows deeply and stammers, expressing "remorse."

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Cultural Translation: To Resolve Gaps in Semiotic Interpretation

The clash between Nigerian-style "presence" and Japanese "Wa." This is not a question of which is right or wrong. It is the result of each culture having different survival strategies in the background.

However, as long as one operates in the field of Japan, it is necessary to convert the Nigerian side's "sincerity" into a format that the Japanese side's "receiver" can accept. I call this "cultural encoding."

Concrete Measures to Convert the "Quality" of Presence

There is no need to kill that wonderful energy that Nigerians possess. Simply by adjusting the "delivery method," trust in Japan will increase dramatically.

1. Dispersion of Sound Pressure: Instead of lowering the decibels of the voice, increase the "pauses" between words. Japanese people examine the weight of your words during the silence.
2. Angle of Gaze: Instead of looking directly into the other's eyes, occasionally lower your gaze or look diagonally away. In Japan, this becomes a non-aggressive sign saying, "I am not intimidating you."
3. Introduction of Cushion Words: Before entering the main topic, always send a weak signal like "I'm afraid to ask, but..." or "Excuse me, but..." This allows you to deactivate the other person's defensive instincts.

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Conclusion: Cross-Cultural Coexistence is the Process of Understanding "Vocal Range"

We often mistakenly think that cross-cultural understanding is about "learning the other country's language." However, true understanding lies in knowing what "vocal range" the other person uses to engage with the world.

The enthusiasm of Nigerians is filled with sun-like energy. It is a valuable resource that can bring new vitality and sincerity to Japanese society. On the other hand, Japanese silence is a form of "kindness" filled with deep consideration for others and prayers for harmony.

The earnest wish to "convey the truth" hidden behind the word "intimidation." When both sides can discover this, friction turns into "creative energy" for the first time.

At the root of both cultures is the common desire to "improve human relationships." We should possess the intelligence to imagine the cultural OS behind the signs the other person emits, rather than taking them at face value. Cross-cultural coexistence is an endless process of respecting each other's vocal ranges and continuing to seek a new harmony.

I sincerely hope that your enthusiasm will resonate correctly and beautifully in the land of Japan.