this post was submitted on 28 May 2026
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When other countries say Americans are loud, what does this mean? (lemmy.world)
submitted 20 hours ago by WindyRebel@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world
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I read people say online that Americans are loud. What does this mean, exactly? Is it literal volume or is it our personality/presentation? Something else?

I may be moving to Australia because of my wife’s job, and I want to better understand this. I want to assimilate and I don’t want to be annoying. I’m personally pretty low key and listen more than speak, but this is my perception of myself.

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[–] pianoplant@lemmy.world 16 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

I flew back to America from Tokyo today and as a frequent traveler to Japan I can tell you it's all of the above. As a very introverted, easily overstimulated person I love going to Japan because it's my 'quiet time'. Coming home I'm usually overwhelmed by the sheer noise of being in America.

  1. People simply speak louder than they need to here. In Japan you speak in a hushed voice unless it's necessary to raise it. Also people aren't afraid to lean in a little closer to hear what is being said to them. In America people stand 2 meters away from each other and have to speak loud enough for the whole room to hear
  2. People speak more and don't value quiet time. In Japan you don't speak on trains. Your inane conversation can wait. Its more pleasant for everyone if you just stay quiet. Then an American tourist boards and everyone in the car gets to hear all about their opinions on some anime whether they want to or not
  3. People tent to interject / interrupt more here

Hopefully this didn't come across too much as venting. I can't wait to go back.

[–] WindyRebel@lemmy.world 3 points 10 hours ago

Thank you for your answer! It’s definitely not coming across as venting. You have some great thoughts and the idea about standing further away when speaking really hits home to me as something I’ve been thinking might be part of the reason for our loudness as I’ve been reading other answers.

Thanks for the Tokyo insight as well. Our family has booked a trip to Japan this Fall, so we’ve been trying to brush up on culture and language as best we can so we aren’t total assholes over there. 😂