Chapter 4： Cultural Differences in Nonverbal communication He Shuxun

Outline 1.Types of Nonverbal Communication 2. Functions of Nonverbal Communication 3. Nonverbal Communication and Culture

1.Types of Nonverbal Communication 1. Body Behavior 2. Voice 3. Time and Space 4. Facial Expression 5. Eye Contact 6. Posture 7. Gestures 8. Touch 9. Paralanguage

Body Behavior 4.1. Appearance and clothing People spend much time caring for their appearance and clothing. Appearance and clothing are reflections of a culture’s value orientation 4.2. Body movement Body movement includes the posture people take and the way they move their face, eyes, hands or other parts of the body in most instances the messages the body generates operate only when in combination with other messages.

Voice The vocal cues in our speech also carry much more in formation than we realize. The accent of a speaker gives away his or her ethnic background or place of origin; the tone of voice tells of the real intention of the speaker; the volume and rhythm of speech can show a speaker’s emotional state.

Time and Space The use of time is related to how people look at time Spatial language is often presented in distance people use in interaction. Seating and arrangement of furniture may also give information to the observer and influence the on-going interaction in that setting. Americans’ understanding of time is typical of Western cultures in general and industrialized societies in particular. Americans view time as a commodity, as a “thing” that can be saved., spent, or wasted.

Facial Expression The facial expression is a good indicator of emotions---happiness, surprise, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, interest and many more. Basic emotions are expressed in the essentially same nonverbal way, i.e. the same facial expressions. For example, fear is universally expressed by opening the eyes wide and so on, and happiness is shown by smiling and laughing. But cultural norms often dictate how, when, and to whom facial expressions are displayed

Eye Contact Shakespeare said, “There is language in her eye, her cheek, her lip.” The Chinese saying goes, “The eye is the window of the soul.” in English, people are told “not to trust anyone who won’t look you in the eye.” in China, it was not uncommon that people looked at foreigners for a long time. Americans tend to make eye contact with the listeners.

Posture Posture refers to ‘how you position your body’ often indicating your feelings or attitudes at the time. Posture can be open or closed (defensive). Posture offers insight into a culture’s deep structure. Eg: in Japan, such low posture as bow is an indicator of respect. However, in the U.S., where people greet each other by hugging, high posture is indicative of equality and friendliness.

Gestures Specific movements or gestures can indicate what a person wishes to convey to you. For example, a listener might nod their head during a conversation or a member of the police force might hold up a hand with the palm outwards to signify ‘stop!’ You might use a beckoning gesture to call a person to you or wave to say goodbye. It is important to be aware that gestures have different meaning in other cultures.

Touch In any society it must be used with discretion. Touch must occur at the right moment and in the right context, otherwise it can be violently rejected and may even lead to charges of harassment. Physical contract differs between cultures.

Paralanguage Voice is a reliable indicator of nationality, regional origin, social class, educational level, age and gender. Allied to paralanguage (rate, pitch, stress, intonation) it can carry up to 38 percent of the message. It also discloses the emotional state of the speaker and conveys attitudes such as sarcasm.

3. Functions of Nonverbal Communication Repetition Nonverbal communication can reinforce what is said in verbal language. For example, we might point in a certain direction after we have just said: “the new dining hall is south of the library. ” Or we point to the chest to indicate “me” at the same time we use the word “me”

Contradiction Nonverbal behavior often betrays the speaker by sending contradictory messages to the verbal codes. For instance, we can’t stop ourselves from blushing if we are embarrassed, or sweating if we are very nervous, and we can’t slow down our heartbeat if we are scared. Do you believe your friend who says “nothing” when s/he is sweating and looking worried? Of course not, nonverbal information is often found to be more reliable than the verbal one.

Substitution Nonverbal behavior can be used to replace verbal behavior to convey certain meaning. Very often giving a sympathetic hug for a weeping friend can produce a better effect than saying any soothing words. When you see a very special friend, you are prone to enlarge the size of your smile and throw open your arms to greet him/her, which is a substitute for all the words to convey the same feeling.

Accentuation The accompanying nonverbal behavior very often can add force to the verbal message. A forceful gesture, raised voice, exaggerated facial expressions all give “accent” to the intended message. You can see how an apology becomes more forceful if you face, as well as your words, is saying “I’m sorry.” In addition, accentuation is referred to as a type of complement because it provides a complementary message to verbal code. For example, in some countries, you can tell your friend that you are pleased with his or her performance, but this message takes, on extra meaning if you pat the person on the shoulder at the same time.

Regulation Nonverbal communication very often functions to regulate the flow of the verbal interaction. For example, the pause in a conversation is used as a signal for turn-taking. Silence for a moment sends the message that speakers are ready to begin their speech. Direct eye contact with someone makes him or her know that the channels of communication are open. Nodding the head in agreement indicates that the speaker should continue talking..

4.Nonverbal Communication and Culture This sharing of nonverbal language often makes it possible for people from different parts of the world understand each other better. Like verbal behavior, nonverbal language is also learned and rule governed behavior. diversity in the use and interpretation of nonverbal language id not difficult to be observed.

Nonverbal behavior and culture have two features in common. First they are both all-pervasive, multidimensional and boundless; they are everywhere and in everything. Second, both of them need to be learned. Learning the similarities is very useful to students of intercultural communication for a number of reasons.