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Taka
#56157 Fri, 19 Nov 04 07:04 AM
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As for coherency, I 'd say "yes, in general ": Engish writing style is linear whereas Japanese style is circular, comparatively speaking. I can tell when English oriented people read Japanese type of writing, they might say "Man...this author is going nowhere..." whereas Japanese reader might say "What a simple, tasteless style this English writing has!" But it's all the matter of relativity, IMO.
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As you are British imigrant, let me ask about this: When I see a really straight forward type of writing, with the clear topic sentence, body, and conclusion, it's usually written by an American. On the other hand, when I have trouble finding such clear construction in writing--or should I say "when it's really elaborated"?--it's usually, not always though, written by a British.
So my question is, is British writing style not so strict in its organization compared to the American?
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Joined on
Tue, Sep 7 2004
Japan
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Clive
#56263 Sat, 20 Nov 04 12:40 AM
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Hi,
‘The real significance of such messages, whether complimentary or belittling, rarely sinks in.’
The main reason I don’t see or like this as a topic sentence is that it’s worded very generally, which is why I think you yourself wondered initially if it was relevant at all. The reader shouldn't have to wonder that about the topic sentence. When I read the paragraph for the first two or three times, it didn’t give me a clear sense of the topic. I think a topic should be stated for the reader more clearly and explicitly.
eg (as you yourself reworded it) Americans don't really care or think about cultural diversity.
or (to borrow the wording used in the conclusion) Americans assume that America represents a universal culture.
I don’t think there is a final right/wrong answer to your question about this paragraph as writing is a subjective art.
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You ask me if British writing style is not so strict in its organization compared to the American.
That’s a tough and perhaps even sensitive question. ‘Straightforward’ and ‘clear’ are positive words, ‘elaborate’ is in this context negative. As a person of British background, I like to think that we write with complete clarity! And with excellent style!
I think a lengthy analysis on this subject would be necessary, and I’d be reluctant to start one.
My initial, short, hasty and probably rash thought might be that writing reflects a nation’s character, as you have said of English and Japanese. British people might generalize that Americans are more direct and less subtle in various ways, including the way they express themselves. An example that some might choose would be a comparison of British and American humour.
Others, especially Americans, may have a very, very different opinion!
Clive
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Joined on
Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
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El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
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Taka
#56395 Sat, 20 Nov 04 06:24 PM
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OK.
Now, Jim, could I have your comments on this "American vs British style" thing?
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