In Deborah Tannen's The Argument Culture , the author explores the world of argument in cultures outside of our own. In researching other cultures, in particular the East Asian cultures, Tannen finds that argument is perceived very differently. In Asian countries, where nearly everything is based on a hierarchy, argument is not as equal or accepted as in America. However, one thing that does remain consistent in all cultures is that argument is necessary for improvement and it is a part of human nature. The French are blunt and have a taste for dynamic argument.
Lively argument is valued Germany.
A Japanese enlightens her French husband who is overjoyed when she retaliates with disagreement after two years of marriage. These are all examples of how argument is perceived differently in different cultures. Tannen believes that argument is definitely a sign of intimacy. Although not as popular in the United States, many countries have developed ways of managing conflict through ritual genres which provide outlets for aggression. The different argument cultures do show that all this conflict can indeed be used creatively to accomplish goals and develop solidarity in relationships.