Nonverbal CommunicationCross Cultural Understanding

Rizki Wahyu IndrianiAulia Novi Hapsari

Asty Asmarani Putri

Source : Beyond Language ; Intercultural Communication for English as a Second Language by Deena R. Levine and Mara B. Adelman

Language

emphasized

Verbal (Spoken) Written

Nonverbal

Nonverbal

• Nonverbal is communication that takes place without words.

• Some types, people express more nonverbally than verbally.

• Drawal continue to convey emotional meaning.

Nonverbal

• Example :A : What’s wrong?B : (I’m ok)

just answer by nonverbally sign like the picture

Nonverbal

• One study showed that 93% of the message was transmitted by tone of voice & facial expression whereas only 7% was transmitted by words.

• we express 5 our emotions and attitudes more nonverbally than verbally.

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

• Nonverbal communication expresses meaning or feeling without words, such as happiness, fear, sadness and etc.

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

• Different nonverbal pattern across cultures can make confusion for foreigners.

• For example, expression varies in feelings of friendship….

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

• Example :

Men embrace each otherArabic culture

Women hold hand each otherChinese culture

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

What is acceptable in one culture may be completely unacceptable in another. In order to correctly interpret another culture’s style of communication, it’s necessary to study nonverbal communication.

GestureHands motions can convey many meanings: can be expressed nonverbally using only hands. For examples:

“That’s expensive:

“ come here “

“ Go away “

“ It’s OK “

Facial Expression

• Carry meaning determined by context and relationship.

For instance, “SMILE” • A smile may show affection, convey politeness,

or disguise true feelings. • Pain is conveyed by a grimace, which also

signifies disgust or disapproval surprise, shock or disbelief can be shown by raising the eyebrows.

Facial Expression

• People from certain ethnic backgrounds in United States may use their hands, bodies, and faces more than other Americans. There are no fixed rules, and some people can be “read like a book” others are difficult to read.

To show Intimacy

Create Communication Barrier

Eye Contact

To show Attention

To show Influence

As with facial expression,

there are no specific rules governing eye behavior except 5 that it is considered rude to stare, especially at strangers. It is, however, common for two strangers to walk toward each other, make eye contact, smile and perhaps even say “Hi”. The strangers may immediately look away and forget that they even had any contact.

In a conversation too little eye contact may be seen negatively because it conveys lack of interest. Inattention, or even mistrust.

Japanese

Space

Latin Americans

Arabia

stand farther apart

stand closer

For Americans, distance in social conversation is about an arm’s length to four feet. Less space in the American culture may be associated with greater intimacy or aggressive behavior.

The common practice of saying “excuse me” or “pardon me” for the slightest accidental touching 5 of another person reveals an American attitude upon by someone, he or she may feel acceptable and desirable, Americans may be perceived as cold and distant.

Conclusion

Culture does not always determine the message that our body movements convey. Contexts, personalities, and relationship also influence them. Therefore, no two people in any one society have the same nonverbal behavior. However, like verbal language, nonverbal 5 communication cannot be completely separated from culture. Whether, we emphasize differences or similarities, the “silent language” is much louder then it first appears.

COMPREHENSION QUESTION

VOCABULARY EXERCISES

CONVERSATIONAL ACTIVITIES