Japanese Communication: Language and Thought in Context opens with a comparison of basic American and Japanese values via cultural icons. Maynard examines topics such as masculine and feminine speech, swearing, expressions of ridicule and conflict, adverbs of emotional attitude and the eloquence of silence.From book cover: and "In the last two decades, there has been a burgeoning interest in pragmatics, a field of linguistics that concentrates on language use and is separate from the investigation of the intrinsic structure of language (syntax). This book of Japanese pragmatics is an ambitious undertaking which brings to the fore some of the prominent factors which figure in language use. Importantly, it sets out to explore the elusive connection between language and thought...A welcome and worthy addition to Japanese pragmatics...Highly recommended. and " - Journal of Asian Studies and "This inspiring book will give a deep insight into the Japanese language as well as its culture, society and people....Not only useful to those studying and teaching Japanese but also those studying linguistics and cross-cultural studies, professionals who associate with Japanese clients, and people who are generally interested in Japanese culture, society and language. and " - South Pacific Journal of PsychologyCover illustration by Taki