A discussion of cultural differences in politeness in speech focuses on differences between and among American, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cultural patterns and the role that language can play in creating misunderstanding. It is argued that effective intercultural communication requires cultural competence. Examples are offered concerning a variety of situations: response to invitations; response to compliments; the potential imprecision of literal translation; lack of pronoun usage; ambiguity in some expressions; differential mental organization as reflected in syntax and grammar; use or non-use of the word "no"; and the need to save face. The American in an Asian culture is reminded to avoid confrontation and practice indirect speech. A brief bibliography is included. (MSE)