Language & WorldMental model
Why 'yes' in Japan sometimes means 'no'.
Anthropologist Edward T. Hall in 1976 sorted cultures by how much they rely on context. In low-context cultures such as Germany, the US or Scandinavia, the message is in the words; direct is polite. In high-context cultures such as Japan, China or Arab countries, much lies in relationship, situation and what's left unsaid. 'That's difficult' can be a firm no.
Useful: In an unfamiliar culture ask yourself: is meaning said here, or shown?
Source: en.wikipedia.org