Effect of communication Chapter 32

Non-verbal communication in infants Parent-infant bonding Strong emotional tie between parents & newborn babies Parents often hold baby on left side of body - familiar heartbeat rhythm comforts infant Crying, clinging, suckling all increase desire to care for infant Breast-feeding can also strengthen bonding Smiling Starts off at 4 wks. (non-social) At 6 months used as a selective social act Smiling makes the baby appealing - of survival value With development, increased vocabulary of sounds – leads to speech

Non-verbal communication in adults Reinforce, or add emotional messages to spoken word Facial expressions communicate attitudes & emotions Women better than men at recognising emotions Eyes can convey signals ‘Winking’, ‘catching someone’s eye’, holding gaze during conversation Extended eye contact can communicate sexual interest

Other non-verbal communication Body Language Postures – e.g. sprawled in an easy chair, slumped forward, lying curled up Gestures – pointing, nodding, clenching fists, nail-biting etc. Personal Space: – accepted distance between 2 people in a conversation - increased = dislike - close = attraction/aggression - uncomfortably close = eye contact avoided Most communication is universal, but there are some cultural differences

Verbal Communication Tone, accent, emphasis, speed & timing are all auditory signals All can indicate frame of mind Language – sounds combined to form spoken words Can be simple (words) or complex (sentences) Can be used to express thoughts/feelings etc Members of society need ability to produce & comprehend the language Linguistic strategies can be applied Language allow for transfer & receipt of information Allows for knowledge to be passed on - no need for new discoveries to be made each time Promotes learning & development of intellect