High power distance: Teachers are authority figures and should be respected by listening quietly.

High-context culture: Communication is often indirect, and meaning can be conveyed through silence, tone, or gestures.

Face-saving: Avoiding speaking up unless invited may be a way to avoid making mistakes in front of others, which could be embarrassing.

Hiroshi (Japan)

High-context culture: Values listening, harmony, and reading between the lines.

Face-saving: Fear of making a mistake or disrupting group harmony is strong.

Introversion and deep processing are valued; speaking without fully thinking may seem careless.

Students from the U.S. and Germany

Low power distance: Students are encouraged to challenge teachers and express opinions freely.

Low-context culture: Communication is direct and verbal; silence may be viewed as disengagement.

Active verbal participation is often seen as a sign of involvement and confidence.

Poor understanding of material

Shyness or insecurity

to create a more inclusive environment , the teacher can cover topics regarding Japanese/Middle Eastern culture so that those students have a better chance of relating and contributing to the lesson

introducing her students to different cultures and trying to find a common ground in order to foster inclusion

small group discussions help quieter students open up in low pressure sittings