The thought counts in any language

Our EndNotes column today explained what to do if a Japanese relative or friend has died and you want to show support for the family. The culture has some fairly strict etiquette rules.

But I’d like to stress that condolences in any language are appreciated and people will make allowances for what might be taken as missteps.

I have relatives, through marriage, in Sicily and have visited many times. They have lost several younger family members in the past five or so years. I was able to send some photos of the deceased person with just a few sentences of my limited Italian. It was appreciated.

So don’t let language or culture stop you from your condolences.