Lesson 11 Nonverbal Communication(II)
Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication Time Language Space Language
To grasp the importance of role of nonverbal communication in intercultural communication.
Cultural Differences
Silent language /hidden demension: Invisible nonverbal
snapping fingers to call a waiter women hold hands
men embrace
Time Language
Monochronic Time: punctuality and promptness Northern American, Western and Northern European cultures
Polychronic Time:More flexible and human-centered Latin American, African, Arab and most Asian cultures
Brainstorm:
Please come up with as many words or phrases about punctuality as possible.
timely
punctual
on schedule on time
on the minute on the hour well-timed
in time
in good time at the stated time perfect timing
at the appointed time
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Space Language
Body distance and body touch Body bubbles
Interpersonal relationship
Body distance
Touch & Non-touch culture
Cultures of Arabs, Southern and Western Europeans, Jews and Latins Cultures of Americans, Northern Europeans and Orientals
Arabs envelop each other in their breath.Comfortable and desirable
English-speaking countries:Avoid physical contact; If touch accidentally,make an apology.
China and other Asian cultures:In public, a little body touching
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Lesson 12 Nonverbal Communication(III)
Body Language Para-language
To be familiar with the application rules.
Body Language
Kinesics is the non-verbal behavior related to movement, either of any part of the body, or the body as a whole. In short all communicative body movements are generally classified as kinesics. (1)Posture
deep in thinking or in the blues absent-minded or lacking interest attentive and interested US: Comfortable, friendly
Arab/ Thailand: the sole should never be pointed in the direction of another person.
Germany/Sweden/China: a sign of rudeness and poor maners (2)Gestures– point to objects and people US: ok Asia: rude
Japan and Korea:money Tunisian:I will kill you.
Arabs: (a baring of teeth) extreme hostility
Latin American countries and Germany: obscene Nodding the head In north America: up and down:
I agree
In the Middle East Nodding the head down: I agree /up: I disagree Japan: I am listening. Shaking the head
most countries: refusal or disapproval SriLanks, Nepal, and India: agreement Up your Thumbs
Most of the world: good
Australia and Nigeria: “up yours.” Parts of America and Europe: A lift German:The number 1 Japan:The number 5 Sign of telling sb to come closer
Burma: palm downward, fingers moving Filipinos: a quick downward nod of the head
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Germany/Scandinavia: tossing the head back
Arabs: palm upward, opening and closing the hand (3)Facial expressions
Sadness Anger Surprise Fear
Enjoyment Disgust Contempt Sadness
Mediterranean cultures: exaggerate signs of grief or sadness—men crying in public American: suppress the emotions
Japanese: hide expressions of anger, sorrow, or disappointment—laughing or smiling Chinese: control emotions—saving face Smile
American: a sign of happiness or friendly affirmation Japanese: mask an emotion or avoid answering a question Korean: too much smiling a shallow person Thailand: the land of Smiles (4) Eye contact
North Americans: direct eye contact a sign of honesty If not, a sign of untruthfulness, shame or embarrassment
Chinese: avoid long direct eye contact to show politeness, or respect, or obedience Japanese: prolonged eye contact considered rude, threatening and disrespectful. Latin American and Caribbean people: avoid a sign of respect (5) Smell
Filipinos: sensory-information gathering
Americans: feel uncomfortable with natural smells Many other cultures: natural odor is normal
Paralanguage
Voice modulation tempo Silence Final
True or False(20 items for 10 scores)
Translation of euphemisms and proverbs(10) Appropriate or not(10)
Cultural puzzles(2 items for 10 scores) Case study(2 items for 10 scores)
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