Non-Verbal Communication
Varied by country
Communication is an essential interaction tool for human beings. There are different forms of communication including verbal and non-verbal one. Verbal one involves pronouncing words to pass a message. Non-verbal communication involves the use of gestures and pictures to send a message (Mehrabian 4). Many people communicate using verbal form when they understand one another. It is difficult to use non-verbal communication when people speak different languages. They are likely to misunderstand each other when communicating. As a result, non-verbal communication is used to pass important messages. It can can simply be broken down into the influence, function, and types.
Many cultures – many meanings for the use of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal gestures are interpreted differently and, and one can easily be confused. Gestures that are used in the United States can be interpreted as insults when used in other countries. Using a finger to point at someone or to call a person is common in America that can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect in Asian countries. They prefer using their whole hand for this purpose.
Universal
Non-verbal communication is applied differently in many cultures. However, some gestures are universally accepted in the whole world (Sonneborn 8). People from Arab countries express some emotions openly. They mourn their gems without hiding their feelings. This is widely observed all over the world. Some cultures do not respect expressing grief openly. This is a rare occurrence, and many people have accepted this as a universal non-verbal form of communication. The use of hand gesture has also been accepted as a form to give an agreeable meaning across cultures. The use of eye contact is a positive indicator that the person is attentive to the other one.
Gender
Different genders interpret non-verbal communication differently. Some cultures accept some gestures to be used by males, while others are not commonly used by females. Eye contact is one non-verbal communication that has restrictions when used by females. When a female maintains eye contact with a male counterpart, it can easily be misinterpreted. Many cultures are likely to interpret this as sexual attraction of females to males. When females give eye contact in Asian cultures, it is considered disrespectful (Krueger 3). Most females avoid eye contact when talking to old adults or other males. They take this precaution to be safe from societal misunderstandings. The physical distance is also a determining factor when communicating non-verbally. Most cultures require that females have to maintain a longer distance with males when communicating. Some cultures do not prescribe physical distance for females in their society. Physical contact is a common ritual in non-verbal communication. Some cultures allow other contacts such as handshake and kisses, especially if people are acquainted to one another. Physical contact is restricted to males in some cultures.
Repeating
Non-verbal communication passes many messages that cannot be sent by means of spoken word. Some gestures contains more information than verbal means (Burgoon et al. 11). The main function of non-verbal communication is repeating. This ensures that some emotions expressed can not be easily shown through words. This allows people to express their personal feelings and be able to interact with others. Some elements of non-verbal repeating functions include eye contact, smile, and touch.
References
Burgoon, Judee K, Laura K. Guerrero, and Kory Floyd. Nonverbal Communication. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2010. Print.
Krueger, Juliane. Nonverbal Communication. München: GRIN Verlag GmbH, 2008. Internet resource.
Mehrabian, Albert. Nonverbal Communication. New Brunswick, NJ [u.a.]: Aldine Transaction, 2007. Print
Sonneborn, Liz. Nonverbal Communication: The Art of Body Language. New York: Rosen Pub, 2012. Print.
