I.I. Mechnikov Odessa National University

Faculty of Roman-Germanic Philology

English Grammar Department

Essay on:

«Cross cultural differences in Nonverbal Communication».

Alena Dymytrishchuk

Group 44a

2011

This paper focuses on theme of «Cross cultural differences in Nonverbal Communication». The subject is to research the main categories of Nonverbal Communication. They are facial expression, eye contact, posture, voice and so on. The main aim is to learn and understand cultural body language differences.

Key-words:

Nonverbal, difference, communication, category, culture, person, behavior, body, posture, proximity, contact, gesture, voice ,sign.

The Categories of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication can be broken into several categories: facial expression, eye contact, posture, voice, apparel (dress/clothing), color, odor, time, and space. These are not all physical objects, but also behaviors. The language of time is cultural. In one area of the world, lateness is acceptable, while in others it is not tolerated. Much is the same with spatial behaviors. Some cultures stand closer to each other during their communications than others.

Facial Expressions

The meaning and use of facial expressions can vary from culture to culture. For example, many Asian cultures suppress facial expressions as much as possible, which can frustrate communication with people from a culture that relies on facial expressions to demonstrate feelings.

Eye Contact

Western cultures tend to view eye contact as an indicator of interest or attention. A prolonged gaze, however, can be viewed as a sign of sexual interest. People in Arabic cultures maintain prolonged eye contact, believing it demonstrates interest, and claim that it helps them understand the truthfulness of a person. A person who looks away can be seen as untrustworthy. Japanese, African, Latin American and Caribbean cultures, in contrast, avoid eye contact as a sign of respect.

Posture and Proximity

Simple postural differences can miscommunicate cross-culturally. In Turkey, it's rude to put your hands in your pockets or sit with your legs crossed. And it's rude to show the soles of your feet in Thailand. Different cultures also vary in the acceptable distance between people standing next to others; South Americans tend to stand much closer than their North American counterparts, who tend to seek a greater amount of personal space than other cultures. Proximity issues also arise when waiting in line; British citizens and Americans tend to be offended by others cutting in line, whereas the French and Armenians expect it.

Many Asian cultures don't easily express anger or grief on their faces, while Mediterranean Latin and Arabic cultures permit open expressions of grief.

Interpersonal Space

Most cultures make distinctions between intimate, personal, social and public space; however, each culture differs in the space attributed to each category. Arab males tend to sit closer to one another than American males. They also have greater eye contact and tend to speak in louder voices. Arab cultures generally like to interact with others at close distances -- close enough to feel the other person's breath. Such closeness would be considered an invasion of one's personal space in America and other Western cultures.