Aimai or please speak more clearly!

[Update, Dec 20, 2009:  I will try to update this post to make my opinion clearer as soon as possible, however, let me state here that all statements in this post are directed at the idea of aimai only, and those who hold it is something special and unique to the "Japanese" (whatever that may mean to them). Nothing in this entry is intended to be a comment on "Japanese" as a whole. That is, if someone reads something racial or bigoted into what I have written, then I've totally failed to communicate what I wanted to say.]

What is aimai?

It is typically defined by most dictionaries with words like this: ambiguous, vague, obscure, imprecise, unclear, doubtful.

Why is aimai considered to be a key Japanese term?

It goes along with a general trend, really. There is a certain view of Japanese as being intuitive and (in a positive sense) subjective. There is the sense that they do not need to communicate with specifics because this information can be absorbed via context and nonverbal cues. A comparison is often made with westerners (Americans) in that they, so it is claimed, lack this ability to be as subtle and intuitive as Japanese, and also lack the ability to use ambiguity as a meaningful form of communication.

In this context, aimai is good because Japanese can handle difficult issues by communicating via subtle signals as opposed to outright argument. Also, it helps maintain harmony (wa) not to take a decisive or divisive opinion on some issue, but instead to speak vaguely or with ambiguity.

Also, ambiguity can play a strong role in both humor and artistic expression where one concrete form can perhaps express two or more contrasting meanings. It is thought that people who can do this are quite intellectual and amusing and artistically talented.

Is there really such a thing as aimai?

I think the obvious answer is, yes.

Is aimai unique and special to Japan?

I think the obvious answer is, no.

People in other countries can be vague and ambigous. I think there are people who are masters at being obliquely sarcastic. That is, they say one sarcastic remark after another, but nearly a soul catches it. Now wait, I know this is not the same as aimai, but in my opinion it is similar. Also, deadpan humor is something a little similar as well.

To me the context in which being vague and ambiguous is a useful tool is when one fears repercussions for being straightforward and direct. Right? Maybe you disagree. Let's think about this, shall we?

If you can state your opinion and then feel you won't come to any harm or face any negative repercussions, but instead that people will be, not only tolerant, but supportive, then why not state your opinion? Obviously, you need to be aimai when you feel that the recipient might not like what it is you have to say. That is, you practice aimai to avoid negative consequences.

So, if someone wants to claim that most Japanese or many Japanese practice being aimai, what does this say about Japanese culture? What is it so many people have to fear? (I ask this of those making the claim.)

You know, it's said Japanese practice aimai because they love harmony. But this only suggests that there can't be harmony when people are open, honest, and forthright in their opinions. It suggests that such honest will inevitably lead to conflict of an unpleasant nature. Is that true? Or is it a pessimistic assessment on either Japanese culture or character? Or a pessimistic assessment of human beings in general?

This is something believers of aimai as a uniquely Japanese trait need ask themselves.

Off the net -->

From Hanami Web:

Japanese are generally ambiguous, and often surprisingly vague when stating their opinion. This can be seen either as a sign of humility or a practical way to handle sometimes difficult topics. The word aimai generally means ambiguous, obscure, vague, double-edged or hazy. It has also other meanings such as doubtfull, non-committal, questionable or shady.

Comment: Okay, I guess, on a purely subjective impressionistic level (which can be wrong more often than not) that most people in Japan do think it is good manners to guard your opinion. Especially when you are engaged in a formal situation. But is that so very untrue in the favored comparison, America. Aren't Americans told that poltics and religion are better not discussed in the office. So is the difference really so serious and stark?

Also, watch what happens when you play with the above passage a bit: Non-Japanese are generally specific, and often surprisingly definite when stating their opinion.

Really, all of them?

Or how about this: This can be seen either as a sign of pride or a practical way to handle sometimes easy topics.

Okay, perhaps I'm not being fair here, but you get the idea. I find the whole idea that this is some kind of special enigmatic unique Japanese trait to be a bit over done.

Apparently someone has done a dissertation on aimai and put it up on the Internet, and titled the paper, "the Logic of Ambiguity". Here's but a selection from the summary:

I believe that to understand Japanese rhetoric, we need to explore the meaning of Japanese terms such as amae (dependence), haragei (gut communication), aite chushin (other-centered), aimai no ronri (logic of indirectness), ten no ronri (logic of points), and ma (space or interval). Since terms such as these add to the perspective on Japanese rhetoric already provided by Western rhetorical analysis, whenever possible, I use Japanese terms and Japanese writings to examine what rhetoric means in Japan.

I don't know. This is just taking things too far to me. I mean, it's as if Japanese were some kind special alien race whose brains were different from everyone else. (Wait, but there are those who believe this.) Anyway, there's too much here to deal with at once, so I have to pass over this passage in silence.

According to JCCC, West Meets East [pdf]:

Ambiguity and avoidance of confrontation are inescapable features of Japanese communication. Messages are more subtle and often rely on context and cultural “markers” in order to be understood. Misinterpretation of such messages is inevitable when Canadians apply their own “cultural software” to communication with Japanese.

Okay, first this passage is saying that Japanese are better at reading Japanese body language. Maybe. But certainly then Canadians are better at reading Canadian body language, right? Or is this site claiming something down right mystical? Not sure. But consider the implications of this passage -- again this goes back to what I stated above, there is the clear implication that straightforward communication must lead to conflict. Is that true? Or is it true only in Japan? See this can be turned around, one can say that perhaps in Japan there is fear of retaliation when someone clearly and unequivocally states their opinion. Well, if that's the case, then why? Are Japanese intolerant?

Another site, Project Japan notes about amai:

Another reason for ambiguity is the feeling that to speak directly is to assume superiority over the person you are conversing with. The Japanese think it is impolite to speak openly on the assumption that their partner knows nothing. The Japanese value Aimai because they think that it is unnecessary to speak clearly as long as their partner is knowledgeable. To express one’s self distinctly carries the assumption that one's partner knows nothing, so clear expression can be considered impolite. Silence can also be considered a form of ambiguity. For the Japanese, silence indicates deep thinking or consideration, but too much silence often makes non-Japanese uncomfortable.

Well, confound it. What's this all about. People speak vaguely so that they can pretend the other person is "in the know", even though they might not be. Huh? Again though, this goes right back to what I said. There's fear here of giving offense, a sense that by having said too much, there will be negative repercussions. Why? Are people really so thin skinned in Japan, or is this just mystification?

It seems common sense, that if one is even a little bit in doubt, that one should make sure the other person understands what has been said. But (supposedly) you can't do this in Japan because it will be percieved of as impolite and then the other person will be offended. Heaven forbid! Why should people be so touchy?