Non Verbal Communication In A Cultural Context

Non-Verbal Communication In A Cultural Context

by

Suzanne Schiller

Non-verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication embraces non-word human responses and involves interpreting facial expressions, eye contact, hand arm gestures, body posture, clothing and proxemics. The correct way in which to interpret a message also depends on its context within the culture concerned. Actions that are benign in your home country might be deeply offensive to residents of another country. Understanding cultural differences and norms is therefore important when delivering a nonverbal message. As an example culturally coded gestures such as the Ring or OK have different meanings in different countries. In the USA and in English speaking countries this means everything is OK but in Indonesia, for example, the ring gesture means zero. Facial Expressions The face is the index of the mind. Facial expressions may convey clarity or confusion over the message being received. Facial expressions such as frowning, raised eyebrows, grinning, smiling and many others thus contribute to effective communication. Culture has an impact on all elements of communication. As an example, the Chinese tend never to show expressions of sadness or anger, whilst in Iranian and Arabic cultures, people openly express their grief by wailing loudly. Eye Contact The eyes are an indicator of inner emotions and feelings. In interpersonal communication or group communication, eye contact plays an essential role. It is common for people to glance over things in communicating a lack of interest. You can at least in part monitor effective communication by looking carefully at the eyes of the listener or audience. Eye contact expresses a willingness to respond but this must be viewed in the context of the cultures concerned. In some countries, communication with direct eye contact is discouraged. For example, In Japan, listeners are taught to focus on a speakers neck to avoid eye contact, but in the USA, they are encouraged to gaze directly into the speakers eyes. Hand, Arm Gestures This is another important tool for non-verbal communication. The language of expression through hand or arm gestures has different meanings in different locales. As an example in the USA, it is very common to beckon to people using vertically waving hands with the palm up, while in the parts of Philippines and Latin America, the same gesture may be considered rude. Body Posture Hands on hips, fidgeting, doodling, sitting on the edge of a chair and bowing are a few examples of body postures that convey distinct messages. In Japan, the degree of ones bow reflects status. Those higher in status bow less deeply to those lower in status. In contrast, bowing is usually considered to be bad form for westerners unless in the presence of a head of state or monarch. Clothing In addition to physical appearance, clothing also contributes to non-verbal communication. Costumes vary according to the occasion whether business dress, casual clothes or formal dress and these again differ in the context of each culture. In India, the sari is considered to be a traditional costume while the Kimono is the traditional dress for the Japanese. Many cultures have now adapted to international business dress code but not all. Proxemics Proxemics cover to the maintenance of personal space. Every country has its own proxemic rules and these rules are very powerful. In some Latin American countries, people will stand very close to each other while talking. In Germany, in contrast, they will maintain quite a wide social space. If you are a German business executive and you back away, finding that closeness uncomfortable, then you risk offending your Latin American business associate. Observing Non-verbal Behaviour Given that non-verbal communication is as important as verbal communication, it is essential to observe at least the following:- Does the context and verbal communication match with the behaviour? Individuals from each country react differently to different situations know the cultures concerned and their prevalent non-verbal behaviours. There is an impact of cultural norms in the use of non-verbal cues and many of the gestures may be arbitrary. There are of course some forms of universal interpretation of non-verbal behaviour with the same meaning and interpretation but many other forms are different and have different meanings – or indeed no meaning at all – in another culture. Conclusion Culture significantly affects the way in which people communicate both verbally and non-verbally. In a world of differences, it is all too easy to read the other person incorrectly if you are unaware of the cultural cues. Without this silent form of communication, you may at best fail to achieve your objectives and at worst create offence in your audience.

Suzanne Schiller is the Business Development Manager at Communicaid.

Communicaid is a Culture and Communication Skills Consultancy and a global leader in the design and delivery of Cultural Awareness Training

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Non-Verbal Communication In A Cultural Context