Nonverbal Messages

 

Nonverbal Messages

               A nonverbal message is a message that requires no words but rather body language. This can include pointing, nodding, or other forms of expression communicating your message. As human beings, we can gather a lot of information from nonverbal messages. Nonverbal communication can tell us how others are feeling, such as facial expressions, as well as other communication tactics. Everyone should consider other cultures’ views on certain nonverbal messages. It is common in America to shake somebody’s hand, but in another country it might not be acceptable. It is important to pay attention to the nonverbal language, appearance, and behaviors of other cultures.

               Nonverbal communication may not involve words, but it speaks volumes. Taking into consideration the nonverbal language of another culture is necessary when interacting with people. If you are not careful, your nonverbal language can be seen as disrespectful to another culture. For example, according to an article from Magnify Mind, keeping eye contact in Western cultures is a sign of attentiveness. Meanwhile, in African and Asian cultures eye contact can be seen as disrespectful or confrontational. So, while some nonverbal language is acceptable in one culture, it might not be in another. This can be fixed by researching the culture and finding out what is acceptable and what is not. Appearance is another aspect to be aware of.

               Appearance can tell someone a lot about who you are. As an American travelling in the UK, I tend to stand out. I wear bright clothes, American branded items, blue jeans, t-shirts, sports clothing, and more. Meanwhile, I see British people wearing dark clothing, business style clothes, hair down, and well put together. You can tell that I am more laid back, comfortable, and casual. However, the British people look elegant, ready to go, and proper. It has been interesting to see firsthand the cultural differences in our everyday lives. Another key factor is eye contact.

               As stated before, eye contact can have a range of interpretations depending on the culture. England is much like the United States in this department; eye contact can be seen as attentive. When having a conversation with someone, it is polite to look at them while they are speaking. When I have been having a one-on-one conversation with Britons, we talk quietly and look at one another.

               From an article from Oratory Club, they reiterate the idea that eye contact is important in British culture. Eye contact show respect, sincerity, and attentiveness. Another way the British show politeness towards others is a handshake when greeting someone. They also wave to people to say hello. Personal space is also important – keeping an arm’s length away shows respect for your comfortability. Britons also tend to control their facial expressions, maintaining a pleasant facial expression. Smiling or frowning too much in a conversation is viewed as inappropriate. British people also have good manners – they say “please” and “thank you.” They also have exceptional table manners that include keeping their elbows off the table and using their silverware correctly. They have been perceived to be polite and proper.

               American nonverbal language is different from British nonverbal language. Americans are friendly and have various facial expressions. They smile and show other obvious facial expressions very clearly whereas British people are more conserved with their facial expressions. It can be interpreted as pushy or overdone. Americans will try to be sincere and enthusiastic but taken the wrong way and thought of as loud and rude.

               In the end, nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. It is important to learn appropriate nonverbal communication with people of other cultures. Be respectful of other cultures’ customs and their communication tactics.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cultural History

Image
  Cultural History Click here for more important dates in Britian's history 1.        The Irish Potato Famine (1845-50): During the famine, approximately a million people in Ireland died of starvation from this cruel epidemic according to an article from BBC . However, also during this period, over two million people from Ireland emigrated to different countries to escape starvation. This killed about one-eighth of the Irish population. Blight had destroyed the potato crop that was supposed to account for 60 percent of the population’s food source. This created a huge food gap leading to the start of this famine. Many other countries tried to help to reduce this famine. The imports were three times more than the exports. They were sending in grains and other food sources to help reduce the untimely deaths of many Irish people. This event and the lack of the British government’s support, drove Ireland to want gain independence.  2.  ...
Read more

Worldviews

  Worldviews Worldview is how people interpret the world around them through knowledge, culture, and way of life. It helps people to assess the bigger picture of life such as what happens after death. For some, this could have religious meaning. For others, it could be purely based on science. My worldview is assessed through my religion, experiences, and partially what I have been taught by my parents and peers. However, my worldview as an American differs from that of a Britian. Therefore, we must ask big questions and see perspectives from all different angles. There are three categories of worldview: atheistic, spiritualistic, and religious. An atheistic point of view means that there is a not a belief in god(s). They also believe that they will pave their own way and are responsible for how they want to live. Furthermore, they believe that there is no life after death. Spiritualistic worldview acknowledges that there is a higher power, and they are responsible for their pa...
Read more

Sightseeing

Image
  Changing of the guard Big Ben Roman Bath Stonehenge Kings College Woolsthrope Manor Lincoln Lincoln Cathedral Burghley House Harlaxton Manor Sightseeing in England! These sites are a huge part of English culture. Starting off with the changing of the guard done multiple times every week. Big Ben is also a representation of English culture and serves as a remarkable monument when foreigners think of England. I also saw the roman bath where people came to get clean and relax hundreds of years ago. Stonehenge serving as one of the oldest historical sites in England. Kings' college at Cambridge and the cathedral are also elegant and showed how important education is in England. Woolsthorpe Manor is where Isaac Newton grew up. It is also where he spent his time conducting experiments and changing our world's perspective. It is where the apple hit him, and he discovered gravity. It is also where he discovered the different colors of the light. In Lincoln we visited the castle and t...
Read more