Question

What kind of nonverbal communication differs across cultures? Give two examples of where one would expect to observe differences.

Answer 1

Nonverbal communication plays an important role in most cultures, mainly in the ones where direct outright conveying of message is not considered appropriate. It becomes more important when the communication happens between the members of two different cultures. In different cultures, nonverbal cues are of different types and can be classified into

(i) Physical appearance, clothing, ornaments, acessories and way of presnting oneself before others differ significantly. For example, a person can wear lots of jewellary to express his /her opulance, or someone wearing rugged worn out clothing to express a sense of carefree attitude. In some cultures it is more than the others.

(ii) Voice, pitch of voice, accent, rate of message delivery and other aspects of paralanguage which differs from one culture to other.

(iii) Facial expressions, gestures, eye contact and other non verbal clues which is essential part of communication where expressing through words needs greater non verbal support, and enhance communication greatly

(iv) Body movement, hand gestures, symbolic representation of words are prevalant in many areas.

(v) Touch is seen as a mode of affection in many cultures where handholding means solidarity and compassion.

(vi) Using interpersonal distance to show compassion, respect and concern or even discontent.

One is more likely to encounter these nonverbal clues in following areas.

(i) In middle eastern culture, frequent handshakes, touch and embracing ( between the members of same gender) is seen as solidarity, trust and commitment, while in the US it is not seen as norm

(ii) Eye contact is considered as symbol of confidence, consideration and respect in US, while not meeting eye to eye is seen as intimidating, disrespect and lack of confidence and presence of apprehensions, while in Japanese culture, maintaining too long an eye contact is considered disrespect and rudeness.