Name NPM Class

: M. Mufti Al Furqoon : 208 07 3 0014 :A

Nonverbal Communication
Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication Nonverbal communication expresses meaning or feeling without words. Nonverbal communication or body language is an important part of how people communicate and there are differences from culture to culture. Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact (or its lack) are a few of the aspects of nonverbal communication that may vary significantly depending upon cultural background. Gestures Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when were arguing or speaking animatedlyexpressing ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so its important to be careful to avoid misinterpretation. Gestures incredible possibility and variety and that an acceptable in ones own culture may be offensive in another. Some cultures are animated; other restrained. Restrained cultures often feel animated cultures lack manners and overall restraint. Animated cultures often feel restrained cultures lack emotion or interest. Even simple things like using hands to point and count differ. Pointing: US with index finger; Germany with little finger; Japanese with entire hand (in fact most Asians consider pointing with index finger to be rude) Facial Expressions The human face is extremely expressive, able to express countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures. While some say that facial expressions are identical, meaning attached to them differs. Majority opinion is that these do have similar meanings world-wide with respect to smiling, crying, or showing anger, sorrow, or disgust. However, the intensity varies from culture to culture. Note the following: 1. Many Asian cultures suppress facial expression as much as possible.

2. Many Mediterranean (Latino / Arabic) cultures exaggerate grief or sadness while most American men hide grief or sorrow. 3. Some see animated expressions as a sign of a lack of control. 4. Too much smiling is viewed in as a sign of shallowness. 5. Women smile more than men. Eye Contact and Gaze Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other persons response. In USA, eye contact indicates: degree of attention or interest, influences attitude change or persuasion, regulates interaction, communicates emotion, defines power and status, and has a central role in managing impressions of others. 1. Western cultures see direct eye to eye contact as positive (advise children to look a person in the eyes). But within USA, African-Americans use more eye contact when talking and less when listening with reverse true for Anglo Americans. This is a possible cause for some sense of unease between races in US. A prolonged gaze is often seen as a sign of sexual interest. 2. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact. believe it shows interest and helps them understand truthfulness of the other person. (A person who doesnt reciprocate is seen as untrustworthy) 3. Japan, Africa, Latin American, Caribbean avoid eye contact to show respect.

Space Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy, aggression, dominance, or affection.