Abstract
This study analyzed Japanese-language discussions in a mixed group of international students and Japanese undergraduates to identify how, from the perspective of the Japanese students, differences in academic level (undergraduate vs. graduate) affected discussions that required consensus building. The results showed that, in discussions with international students at the same academic level, consensus was reached by Japanese students conforming to the statements of the international students, who were unconcerned with what others had to say. In contrast, in discussions with international graduate students, even though a Japanese undergraduate acted as moderator for the host country, the discussion tended to stagnate because of low levels of information sharing, and participants struggled to decide on a final plan.
