Question

Jane was sent by her Chicago-based company to a business convention in Tokyo, Japan. While at lunch, she and several other Americans in attendance sat together. As they laughed and enjoyed themselves, Jane noticed that many people glanced at them uncomfortably and whispered to each other. When Jane asked the young waitress what was wrong, the girl avoided eye contact with her, shook her head without saying a word, and quickly walked back to the kitchen. Which of the following statements is most likely true about this scenario?
a.
Jane frightened the waitress by making eye contact.
b.
The waitress didn’t speak English very well and did not understand what Jane meant.
c.
Jane and her friends' behavior made the other restaurant guests and waitress uncomfortable.

d.
The waitress was having a very bad day and had to run to the kitchen so no one would see her cry.



Please select the best answer from the choices provided


A
B
C
D

Answer 1

C

Jane and her friends' loud, uninhibited behavior likely violated local norms of public quiet and restraint in Japan, making other guests and the waitress uncomfortable. The waitress avoiding eye contact and withdrawing fits a cultural reaction to embarrassment or discomfort, not fear, language difficulty, or a private emotional crisis.