The Problem of Intercultural Miscommunication, Ways to Solution, and Their Implications to Intercultural Education:Observations by Prospective English Subject Teachers

Abstract

Prospective English subject teachers provided some stories or cases of intercultural miscommunication which they experienced or observed in Japan and abroad. The cases are classified according to certain schemata and analyzed, then discussed. Significant differences were found between schemata which were employed during a problem happening and during problem solving. Situational schema and emotional schema were often employed during a problem event but strategic schemata were often employed in the solution. The ways in which strategic schemata was used to solve problems include the following important points ‘to express one’s feelings on the scene,’ ‘to ask help from the third person,’ and ‘to imply consideration from the counterpart.’ The result will contribute to intercultural education.