Unlike verbal communication, nonverbal communication is free from ambiguity.
An obnoxious driver flips you off, gives you the finger, shows you the middle digit. This is an example of Show
b. a manipulator c. an emblem d. none of the above Nonverbal and verbal communication are interconnected in which of the following ways?
b. nonverbal cues can substitute for verbal messages c. nonverbal cues can contradict verbal messages d. all of the above Which of the following linguistic characteristics also apply to nonverbal communication?
b. Self-reflexiveness c. Structure d. None of the above From research, the following valid conclusions can be drawn about cross-cultural perceptions of facial expressions: By their nature, nonverbal signals are ambiguous. When verbal and nonverbal signals contradict each other, most perceivers trust their interpretations of the nonverbal rather than the verbal signals. Language and nonverbal signals function jointly. Is nonverbal communication less ambiguous?Nonverbal communication is less ambiguous than verbal communication.Is verbal or nonverbal communication ambiguous?Nonverbal Communication Is More AmbiguousAs with verbal communication, most of our nonverbal signals can be linked to multiple meanings, but unlike words, many nonverbal signals do not have any one specific meaning. Is non verbal communication free of ambiguity?Unlike verbal communication, nonverbal communication is free from ambiguity.Is communication can be ambiguous?Communication is ambiguousWhen something can be interpreted in more than one way, we say that it is ambiguous (from the word root “ambi-“, meaning both). Nonverbal Communication is AmbigousWhy nonverbal communication is more ambiguous?One reason that nonverbal communication is more ambiguous than verbal communication is because it is governed by fewer rules—and most of those will be informal norms. Verbal communication has literally thousands of rules governing grammar, spelling, pronunciation, usage, meaning, and more.Why is communication ambiguous?Communication ambiguity is defined as multiple interpretations of an event. It is not possible to have a clear-cut, precise answer to every important question following a crisis.What is an example of ambiguity?Ambiguity definitionThe definition of ambiguity is a word or sentence that is not clear about the intention or meaning. An example of ambiguity is when a person answers a question in a way that indicates he is not giving all of the details. Something of doubtful meaning. Can a non verbal communication be faked?Nonverbal communication can't be fakedThat's because you can't control all of the signals you're constantly sending off about what you're really thinking and feeling. And the harder you try, the more unnatural your signals are likely to come across. Often called “body language,” nonverbal communication is given less attention and thought than verbal communication. However, nonverbal communication is essential to begin understanding intercultural settings and interactions; it involves much more than the cultural meaning placed upon how we use our bodies. Nonverbal communication includes everything that is not in a grammatical structure, i.e., words, written or spoken or signed (American Sign Language is considered verbal). Nonverbal communication is a process of generating meaning using cultural symbolic gestures, behavior, and norms other than words. Remember, though, do not think of […nonverbal communication as the opposite of or separate from verbal communication; it is more accurate to view them as operating side by side—as part of the same system” (Communication, 2016, p. 165). In this chapter, four sections examine nonverbal communication based on the University of Minnesota open textbook, Communication in the Real World: Principles and Functions of Nonverbal Communication; Types of Nonverbal Communication; Nonverbal Communication Competence; and Nonverbal Communication in Context. Additionally, this chapter develops intercultural examples from the Cultural Atlas with written permission. Further examples include videos and other resources. This chapter offers many opportunities for further reflection, which can be helpful on course assignments and think piece/essay prompts. Before Diving, Ponder whether it is “Weird” or just “Different?”This course asks students to explore “Culture in your Backyard.” We ask students in this class to step away from their personal, comfortable “bubble” and seek new ideas and experiences related to other cultures. Many students reported at the start of the class that they felt nervous about potentially offending others as they explored new cultures. This fear, though certainly valid, might prevent one from examining new ideas and trying new and unfamiliar cultural experiences. We recognize this fear. Fear of other cultures is based on one’s perception of a situation. Applying the information learned in this chapter, the previous chapter on verbal communication, and the chapter on perception will help us understand how the process of selection, organization, and interpretation is also the process through which we encode and decode messages. Both processes build upon symbols. What is new, different, and perhaps foreign to someone of one culture might be, consciously or unconsciously, familiar and useful to a classmate of another culture. What is saliant, or culturally prominent and important for a member and their identity within a culture, i.e., the importance an individual of one culture ascribes their cultural backgrounds, practices, and language, both verbal and nonverbal as compared to other cultures. In a different respect, cultural salience may also refer to one’s cultural ideas, norms, symbols, and practices as “sticking out” or “attracting attention” in an inter- or multicultural context. One example is that of the “loud American.” Aware of this stereotype, many Americans try to “tone down” this view of Americans and their cultural norms when traveling or living in different cultures. One might not be aware of specific cultural cues when traveling due to the overwhelming amount of ” new ” stimuli – weary travelers often remark how exhausting it is to have so many new experiences in one day. Through travel and exploring new cultural sites, an extended visit to another culture, and even living for a time in a culture unfamiliar to us, we better appreciate how someone new to a country or culture, such as an immigrant or long-term foreign exchange student or worker, might feel. When someone from another country or culture moves to the United States, they might be asked, to the point of exhaustion, “What do you miss about your country?” or “What is new to you in the United States?” As foreign travelers, my husband, Mark, and I recall how fun it was to use new currency – doing the mental math to convert dollars to Euros, dollars to Danish Krone, dollars to Cambodian riels, or dollars to pesos. While exploring several countries during our stay in Denmark, Lori, when making a purchase, would show money (and trust) to the clerk, ensuring that the purchase was covered and that she received her proper change. However, my husband gained language skills and thrived as a currency converter. I will explore later how “making change” in another country’s currency with an unfamiliar language is one stimulus that may lead to culture shock. Understand that communication is also contextual – what we see as “normal” challenges us when we travel or meet others from different regions or countries. Context includes both physical contexts and psychological contexts. “Physical context includes the environmental factors in a communication encounter. The size, layout, temperature, and lighting of a space influence our communication. Imagine different physical contexts in which job interviews occur and how that may affect your communication (Communication in the Real World, 2016). When living in Cambodia, I heard new and unfamiliar chanting, often much louder than expected. While teaching at the University of Phnom Phen, the Cambodian college students would share with Lori, “Well, we cannot have much of a discussion this week, it is Wedding Season, and the reception center is next door!” Traditional Khmer weddings often include time spent with designated monks or wedding specialists – many of whom were not unfamiliar with a microphone and large outdoor speakers. A video in the ritual section shares the wedding perception of an American of Cambodian ancestry. “Psychological context includes the mental and emotional factors in a communication encounter. Stress, anxiety, and emotions are just some examples of psychological influences that can affect our communication” (Communication in the Real World, 2016). While living in Cambodia, worrying about aging parents, the dog, and even whether or not the water pipes would freeze back in Minnesota provided stress that became exasperating. Likewise, more deeply, immigrants or refugees from a graphical region or country describe life as having a foot in two distinct emotional “neighborhoods.” First are the emotional struggles of those who left their homes and families due to war, violence, drought, environmental hazards, or political unrest. Second, immigrants and refugees miss their former home and culture while simultaneously living with the stress of living in another culture. Cultivating one’s awareness of the contextual elements others experience can help develop empathy and intercultural communication competence. We took students to Cambodia and reminded them to reserve the word “weird” and to think of the artifacts as “different” instead. In Minnesota, spiritual artifacts seem to belong in religious-based buildings or personal dwellings. Like many Latin American countries, we encountered religious artifacts in bus stations, stores, doctor’s offices, schools, churches, and personal homes in Guatemala and Mexico. Traveling in Mexico, Lori feels like she “stands out.” Blue eyes, blonde hair, and freckles distinguish Lori from others in the photos at the bus station. From one’s body itself to artifacts such as clothing and masks, Lori just looks different. Other artifacts, such as wearing a mask (or not), make one “stand out.” Our posture, mannerisms, hesitancy to proceed, facial expressions of shock or acceptance when seeing the bathroom in the bus station, and deciding to “just go” or “hold it” all share messages you and others pick up on. Lillyam, Colombian and American, feels like she stands out when speaking Spanish. Why? Lilyam’s accent is Colombian, not Mexican, so Mexicans perceive her as different – one’s accent is also an area of nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is HOW one communicates, not the “what” that language, or verbal communication, conveys. Beatrice, our friend who lives in Mexico, did not notice the “unique” placement of the Virgin Mary at the entrance of the bus station. Lori and Lillyam, meanwhile, take many photos, as noted here! This chapter highlights communication theory within an intercultural context to understand better the vast amount of communication meaning that comes from symbol use that is not grammatical. We challenge students to explore what is “different” or “unique” about a given culture yet, in doing so, also to note the similarities. In preparing to share information for this chapter, we found this video to help ground the notion that life is often the same yet different (not just weird):
Definitions of Nonverbal CommunicationSamovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy (2017) further define nonverbal communication: Creative Common summons photo from burst.shopify.com Students in an intercultural communication class frequently hope to gain a checklist of what to do or not do when in a new country. As there are more countries to write about than time in a semester, that goal often must be narrowed. The intercultural communication interview assignment helps students to narrow focus upon cultures they are most interested in making such a “checklist.” Nonverbal communication is both intentional and unintentional. Think about how one mindfully adorns oneself– jewelry, book bags, even cars. These messages are often intentional, but the effect, such as wearing a jacket to an event with a logo or image that might be offensive to others, could be unintentional but perceived as intentional. Even one’s body might “unknowingly” or “unintentionally” communicate, e.g., generalizations about obese or anorexic individuals. The encoding and decoding of nonverbal communication are complex processes and show the power of nonverbal communication to impact the perception process. The Cultural Atlas offers students, travelers, business people, health care workers, educators, and others an opportunity to see many nonverbal cultural tendencies in various countries. As with the previous chapter on verbal communication, students studying nonverbal communication within an intercultural communication context use the Cultural Atlas as a resource. Communication in the Real World (2016) explains:
Source: Adapted from Owen Hargie, Skilled Interpersonal Interaction: Research, Theory, and Practice (London: Routledge, 2011), 45. Principles of Nonverbal CommunicationRobert Jersek (2022) shares:
Nonverbal Communication Conveys Important Interpersonal and Emotional MessagesCommunication in the Real World (2016) further explains:
Nonverbal Communication Is More Involuntary than VerbalOne cannot underestimate the impact of involuntary nonverbal communication. Imagine traveling to a new culture and encountering different foods or even bathrooms (“bidets,” a hose that releases a spout of water to cleanse oneself rather than wiping with toilet paper, are common in Cambodia, Argentina, Venezuela, Portugal, Italy, Japan, are but a few. Also, one might find new scents fragrant or pungent (sharp, stinging, or even malodorous) based on cultural familiarity – fragrant(familiar) or pungent (unfamiliar and sometimes too intense and even stinging). For example, a grad-school roommate from Sri Lanka applied a liquid scent using sandalwood or Agarwood that was curious and unfamiliar from a different cultural perspective. However, there are instances in which we verbally communicate involuntarily. Communication in the Real World (2016) put it this way:
Nonverbal Communication Is More AmbiguousThinking about how many different meanings one can take from a smile, the ambiguous nature of nonverbal symbol use. Communication in Real World (2016) notes:
Nonverbal Communication Is More CredibleWhen experiencing different cultures, one often finds barriers. While many might find translation devices or friends who speak the unfamilar language, if you don’t understand the language, you will most likely rely solely on nonverbal communication in this new culture. Many times, even in our culture or co-culture, we see nonverbal communication as being more likely to “tell us the truth of the situation.” Communication in the Real World (2016) shares:
Nonverbal Communication Conveys MeaningRobert Jersek (2022) explains the ways nonverbal communication conveys meaning:
Communication in the Real World (2016) further describes how nonverbal communication gives meaning:
Nonverbal Communication Influences OthersCommunication in the Real World (2016) notes that nonverbal communication’s influence on our interactions with others can be manipulative and supportive. While traveling, Lori was in the Guatemala City airport. She saw a young woman in her early 20s sitting alone at the table next to Lori, crying. Lori was worried. Seeing the seemingly distressed woman cry and sitting alone influenced Lori to approach the young woman. Lori asked, “I see you are crying, do you need some help?” The woman replied that she could not get her European credit card to work online with the US visa payment system. She explained to Lori that she was from Amsterdam, traveling alone, and had a layover in Texas. New to her was that the United States was now charging a transfer fee for any “foreign transient” traveling through US airports. The fee was minimal. It checked out on the US State Department website. Therefore, Lori asked, “How can I help pay for it?” Soon Lori was typing her credit card number into the woman’s laptop – done. In seconds, the transfer fee was paid, and the interaction ended with a cheer from both. A month later, Lori and Mark’s credit card company called Lori to ask if she had spent several thousand dollars on items on that same card. You got it – Lori was scammed (Lori wants to think an evil sibling found a trace of their card number, not an intentional scam, by the way). Nonverbal communication seems universal – tears and smiles can influence anyone, anywhere. Communication in the Real World (2016) shares:
Nonverbal Communication Regulates Conversational FlowConversation flow varies from culture to culture and even within a culture. From a nonverbal perspective, the speed of talk, the length of a pause, the sharpness of a word, and the raise of an eyebrow add to language phrases used to communicate, “I am speaking now, not you” or, on the other hand, “I am done, now it is your turn.” This regulation is often called “punctuation” within communication studies. Communication in the Real World (2016) explores this topic:
Nonverbal Communication Affects RelationshipsOne of the most confusing areas of nonverbal intercultural experiences is, for example, “What did that hug REALLY mean?” We might wonder what that tap on the shoulder means. In general, people in regions of the United States just do not touch each other. “Minnesota nice” folks like me tend to stop and say, “Hi” or give another driver the “farmer wave” using the raising of the index finger. We found that folks walk by even faster in Denmark when we waved toward them or said, “Hello.” That said, New York or Chicago folks communicate differently (often averting their eyes) than one strolling on a rural, small-town Minnesota sidewalk (if there is a sidewalk). Communication in the Real World (2016) expands on this notion:
Nonverbal Communication Expresses Our IdentitiesThe free, Open Education Resource, Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies (2016), explains how nonverbal communication and personal identities are related: creative commons photo from burst.shopify.com Today, one might physically alter one’s body to match their identity better. For example, transgender individuals have more legal and medical options (medical options to fit their sexual identity), although not all medical insurance policies, clinic locations, or states honor the rights to do so. Indeed, some college students who identify as transgender have reported problems filling out forms for college dormitories, financial aid, and even when seeking medical assistance (Seelman, 2016). creative commons photo from burst.shopify.com Before we go further, let us overview and outline the different types of nonverbal communication. Along the way, we will explore how cultural difference impacts the use and interpretation of nonverbal messages.
Just as verbal language is categorized, nonverbal communication has different types. As we learn about each type of nonverbal signal, remember that nonverbals often work together, combining to repeat, modify, or contradict the verbal message.
GesturesGestures are “a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning” (Oxford Dictionary, 2022). Robert Jersek (2022) adapted the Unversity of MN Communication in the Real World text below to explain gestures:
Robert Jersek (2022), continues to explain the second category of gestures, the illustrator.
Haptics (Touch)
Proxemics (Personal Space)
Proxemic DistancesThe video clip from a classic Seinfeld episode demonstrates how what the main character, Jerry, calls “close talking.” Communication in the Real World (2016) notes the following information about distances. Note, this is a theory that describes Western, Individualistic cultures – how does this sense of space differ in other cultures?
Figure 4.1 Proxemic Zones of Personal Space Public Space (12 Feet or More)
Social Space (4–12 Feet)
Personal Space (1.5–4 Feet)Personal and intimate zones are spaces that start at our physical body and extend about four feet. These zones are reserved for friends, close acquaintances, and significant others. Much American communication occurs in the personal zone, typically thought of as one’s “personal space bubble,” and extends from 1.5 feet to 4 feet away from our body. Even though we are getting closer to the physical body of another person, we may use verbal communication at this point to signal that our presence in this zone is friendly and not intimate. Even people who know each other could be uncomfortable unnecessarily spending too much time in this zone. This zone is divided into two subzones, which helps us negotiate close interactions with people we may not be close to interpersonally (McKay, Davis, & Fanning, 1995). The outer-personal zone extends from 2.5 feet to 4 feet and is helpful for conversations that need to be private but that occurs between people who are not interpersonally close. This zone allows for relatively intimate communication but does not convey the intimacy of a closer distance, which can be beneficial in professional settings. The inner-personal area extends from 1.5 to 2.5 feet and is a space reserved for communicating with people we are interpersonally close to or trying to get to know. In this subzone, we can easily touch the other person as we talk to them, briefly placing a hand on their arm or engaging in light social touching that facilitates conversation, self-disclosure, and feelings of closeness. Intimate Space
Territoriality
Chronemics
Olfactics (Smell)
Physical Appearance, Objects, Artifacts, and Dress“Personal Appearance,” “Objects,” and “Artifacts” are types of nonverbal communication we use to adorn our bodies and surroundings to communicate meaning to others. Consider your preferences for hairstyle, clothing, jewelry, and automobiles and how you maintain your body. Your choices express meaning to those around you about your values and the image you wish to put forth. As with most communication, our choices for personal appearance, objects, and artifacts occur within cultural contexts and are interpreted in light of these contexts. Consider the recent trendiness and popularity of tattoos. While once associated primarily with prison and armed services, tattoos have become mainstream and are used to articulate various personal, political, and cultural messages.
Jerek notes (2022): Different Shades of Black IdentityIf you are a light-skinned Black person, you are looked upon as “uppity” or thinking that you’re too good. This is something I have come across a lot. For my first year of college, I attended the first historically Black college, Lincoln University. It was my first time being around that many African Americans (the high school I attended was mostly Caucasian). I am naturally shy, so I would walk around not speaking to anyone. In many cases, I would walk around looking at the ground or just with no expression on my face whatsoever. I was viewed as the “uppity” light-skinned girl who thought she was too good for everyone else. Remland et al., 2014, p. 149.
EnvironmentThe OER book, Introduction to Public Communication, shares:
As noted at the start of this chapter, Cambodian weddings follow many rituals. The author of this video shares his experience through his American eyes coupled with his Cambodian family and, in particular, his wife’s perspective. His experience in 2021 differs slightly from Lori and Mark’s experiences from 2013, the last trip, but as folks say in Cambodia – “same, same but different.” This wedding is very similar to weddings we have been to, except on a much larger, lavish scale. When we attended weddings, we could find similarities to weddings in American culture, such as the bride wearing a white wedding dress. However, as the groom shares in this video, there are many additional ceremonies and rituals in traditional Cambodian weddings. This video shows traditional pre-wedding rituals, such as carrying two beautifully adorned fruit baskets to the groom’s site or home. When we first visited Cambodia, our friends shared, “You will see we have a reverse dowry; the man has to share so many cows or other goods to marry the woman.” Some weddings have other ceremonies, such as a traditional hair-cutting ceremony aligned with Chinese culture. From this video, notice gestures, body movements, intonations, artifacts – and what the groom says it is to “go all out” from the bride’s mother’s wedding planning business. Reflection Questions:
The four women in this video explain the stereotypes of Latin Americans. The video is shared due to how they explain how people dance and how they are similar (same-same, but different) once again. They speak from their own experiences about how they see stereotypes in their respective cultures. Reflection Questions:
Section Three: Developing Intercultural Nonverbal Communication Competency
Tips for Nonverbal CommunicationNonverbal and verbal communication are intertwined. Realizing how one’s movements, posture, eye contact, and even weight, height, and eye color can impact an intercultural communication interaction is the first step toward gaining competency in this area. The steps toward integrating new interculturally sensitive behaviors into one’s toolbox of communication skills can often follow the persuasive model: awareness, understanding, agreement, action, then integration (Osborn et al.). To be aware is a vital step forward. Researching and interacting with individuals from new co-cultures and cultures before an intercultural communication interview will give one a set of questions to ask the interviewee. Psychology Today contributor Dr. Marianna Pogosyan (2017), an intercultural consultant, offers three easy tips to consider when communicating with someone from another culture or nation: Not all cultures embrace the “selfie.” Ask before taking a photo. Creative commons photo from burst.shopify.com
Mark and Lori would treasure sharing about the many lessons learned (from students and ourselves) from ten years of coordinating the RCTC Cambodia Service Learning trip. Our experience positively impacted our whole family. We chose the following videos to demonstrate the power of nonverbal communication. Kim Sin’s dream was to bring students to Cambodia. Kim Sin is an active Rochester, MN volunteer with a growing family and many projects afoot. He works at the University of MN, Rochester, in the Technology area. This video shares his story. He shares his impacting experience – notice how the nonverbal message of seeing the children on the garbage dump drew him in (a nonverbal message) and how he called them over (come eat anything menu) to take a break. Twelve years after this video was created and 15 years after our first trip, we are still in contact with our Cambodian Family Organization and can help our students connect with American students. This second video shares an early snapshot of the origins of our RCTC “One Toilet at a Time” project. Note that the speaker shares how words are not necessary. This second, older video, again, shares the story of Chung”Chuill” Lip and his perspective of the partnership from the RCTC/Cambodian Family Organization collaborative trips — as well as the family he found in the process: Since these KAAL and KTTC videos aired, Chuill transferred from RCTC and graduated from Augsburg College with a double major in Biology and Psychology. He then graduated with his Master’s of Public Health from Columbia University. After a semester off, he went back to school for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Mount Aloysius College. He is currently employed as a Nurse at Penn Medicine. Chuill has just completed his autobiographical book dedicated to his mother: Hers. This excerpt from his autobiographical book, Hers, shares Chuill’s nonverbal interpretation of meeting the RCTC team. Students who would like to ZOOM interview Chuill should contact Lori. He has many descriptions and videos about his experience. He shares this description from “Day 15:” “Hello, everyone! We have great news for you all! A group of American students led by Lori will arrive in a few weeks! I need a few volunteers to go welcome them at the airport!” It was December 2011 when Thanak announced the news during class. Lori was one of my favorite American people on the trip each year. At first, I thought she didn’t work. She was just traveling around the world like one of the students. Then I learned that she was a teacher, and more importantly, she was the one who made everything possible. No wonder she showed up every year! I thought. I remember her from the smell of the lifesaver mints and the bags she carried everywhere with her. I was always amazed at the things she could fit in those bags! Sometimes I watched her pulling things out endlessly as if there was a truckload of stuff in those never-empty bags. Besides that, there were many other memorable characteristics of Lori. She sounded so sweet, so lovely and enchanting, yet she could talk through a crowd of hundreds without a microphone! She was the one who changed people’s lives by giving them unforgettable experiences throughout the trip or at least she changed mine! “Me, Bong, me!” I said. I was always trying to be the first to volunteer when there was anything to do with the Americans. Back then, all I wanted was to practice my English with the American students so I could speak as good as Thanak did. I thought if I could be as good as him, I would have a better chance of getting a job where I wouldn’t have to work for a Cambodian-owned business or agency and fall into the depth of corruption.” (Chung, 2022, p. 217). It is true, Chuill learned to speak like Thanak. Both Thanak and Chuill came to and are currently living in the United States, both happily married and contributing to the joy and well-being of others in their careers. As for my nonverbal communication in this excerpt, it is true: I carry bags of bags. I would love to travel my whole life, but yes, I also love to teach and feel most at home teaching with service learning and on-site visits with experts like Chung “Chuill” Lip leading the conversations. Mark and I were able to lead 8 trips with Kim SIn, Thanak, Chuill, and so many Cambodian Family Organization (CFO) leaders. We often used nonverbal communication to communicate. I know I broke the norms, I was (and still am) the one who can be loud with her “teacher voice” that does not need a microphone. My intent was to be clear, not rude or attention-seeking. A loud woman in Cambodia was undoubtedly not the norm then (and my students and friends share, still today). When we were in Cambodia Thanak was our leader, along with our American leader, Kim Sin. The amount of care that our Cambodian friends and Kim Sin gave to us was remarkable. The opportunities to learn from serving are endless. The mints we called “Magic Mints,” and I used to exaggerate the power of mints (Lifesavers), asserting, “They help with carsickness,” or “They help with diarrhea,” and even, “If you feel lonely for home, it will bring you back to a taste/smell of home.” Interestingly, the Cambodian leaders and drivers were saying the same about Cambodian Tiger Balm (now Chuill and Kim call it “Cambodian Vicks Vapor Rub”). They would also bring fruits and candies to distract car-sick Cambodian students. The American students often asked for a mint to “help drown out that Tiger Balm smell” that was “making me sick.”In this example, there are many layers of nonverbal communication – both intentional and unintentional. I didn’t know the impact a trip would have on all of us. We are indebted to our Cambodian friends whom we call family. Other stories related by Chuill: Augsburg College Produced the following video that includes Chuill’s story: Reflection Questions:
Appendix: Links to Culture Specific Nonverbal Communication Do’s & Don’tsLanguage and Culture in Context: A Primer on Intercultural Communication (2020) by Robert Godwin-Jones. Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies (2016). Aiello, J. (1987). “Human spatial behavior,” In D. Stokols and I. Altman (eds.), Handbook of environmental psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, pp. 359-504. Burgoon, J. K. (1978), “A Communication Model of Personal Space Violations: Explication and an Initial Test.” Human Communication Research, 4: 129–142. Checkpoints: Baghdad’s Russian Roulette (2007, September 5). Institute for War and Peace Reporting. Retrieved from https://iwpr.net/global-voices/checkpoints-baghdads-russian-roulette Cotton, G. (2013, June 13). Gestures to Avoid in Cross-Cultural Business: In Other Words, ‘Keep Your Fingers to Yourself!’ [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gayle-cotton/cross-cultural-gestures_b_3437653.html Darwin, C. 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Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture’s consequences: International differences in work-related values. Sage. Indian court issues warrant for Gere over kiss (2007, April 26). NBC News. Retrieved from: http://www.today.com/id/18328425/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/indian-court-issues-warrant-gere-over-kiss/#.WUAdnRMrJE4 Field, T. (1999). Preschoolers in America are touched less and are more aggressive than preschoolers in France. Early Child Development and Care, 151(1), 11-17. Gumperz, J. J. (1982). Discourse strategies. Cambridge University Press. Jackson, J. (2014). Introducing language and intercultural communication. Routledge. Kramsch, Claire. “Language and Culture: A Social Semiotic Perspective.” ADFL Bulletin 33.2 (2002): 8–15. Retrieved from: http://www.adfl.org/bulletin/v33n2/332008.htm?ref=ARKADASBUL.NET LaFrance, M., & Mayo, C. (1978). Cultural aspects of nonverbal communication. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 2(1), 71-89. Lambert, H., & Wood, K. (2005). 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Routledge Handbook of Language and Intercultural Communication (pp. 130–147), Abingdon: Routledge. Matsumoto, D., & Willingham, B. (2009). Spontaneous facial expressions of emotion of congenitally and noncongenitally blind individuals. Journal of personality and social psychology, 96(1), 1. Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent messages. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Field, T. (1999). Preschoolers in America are touched less and are more aggressive than preschoolers in France. Early Child Development and Care, 151(1), 11-17. Gumperz, J. J. (1982). Discourse strategies. Cambridge University Press. Jackson, J. (2014). Introducing language and intercultural communication. Routledge. Kramsch, Claire. “Language and Culture: A Social Semiotic Perspective.” ADFL Bulletin 33.2 (2002): 8–15. Retrieved from: http://www.adfl.org/bulletin/v33n2/332008.htm?ref=ARKADASBUL.NET LaFrance, M., & Mayo, C. (1978). Cultural aspects of nonverbal communication. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 2(1), 71-89. Lambert, H., & Wood, K. (2005). A comparative analysis of communication about sex, health and sexual health in India and South Africa: Implications for HIV prevention. Culture, health & sexuality, 7(6), 527-541. Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2010). Intercultural communication in contexts. McGraw-Hill. Matsumoto, D. (1990). Cultural similarities and differences in display rules. Motivation and Emotion, 14(3), 195-214. Matsumoto, D., & Ekman, P. (1989). American-Japanese cultural differences in intensity ratings of facial expressions of emotion. Motivation and Emotion, 13(2), 143-157. Matsumoto, D. and Hwang, H.S. (2012) ‘Nonverbal communication: The messages of emotion, action, space and silence,’ in J. Jackson (ed.) Routledge Handbook of Language and Intercultural Communication (pp. 130–147), Abingdon: Routledge. Matsumoto, D., & Willingham, B. (2009). Spontaneous facial expressions of emotion of congenitally and noncongenitally blind individuals. Journal of personality and social psychology, 96(1), 1. Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent messages. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Neuliep, J. W. (2006). Intercultural Communication a Contextual Approach. Sage. Remland, M. S., Jones, T. S., Foeman, A., & Arévalo, D. R. (2014). Intercultural communication: A peacebuilding perspective. Waveland Press. Triandis, H. (1994). Culture and Social Behavior. McGraw-Hill. Vandehey, K., Buergh, C. & Krueger, K. (1996). Traditional Aspects and Struggles of the Masai Culture. Unpublished manuscript, St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI. Van Leeuwen, T. (2005) Introducing Social Semiotics. New York: Routledge. Watson, O. M. (1970). Proxemic behavior: A cross-cultural study. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. Yngve, V. H. (1970). On getting a word in edgewise. In Chicago Linguistics Society 1970 (pp. 567-578)., 6th Meeting, Yudkin, D., Rothmund, T., Twardawski, M., Thalla, N., & van Bavel, D. (2016). Reflexive intergroup bias in third-party punishment. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/xge0000190 Yudkin, D & Van Bavel, J. (2016, December 9). The Roots of Implicit Bias. New York Times Sunday Review. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/09/opinion/sunday/the-roots-of-implicit-bias.html?_r=0 “Nonverbal communication is a process of generating meaning using behavior other than words. Rather than thinking of nonverbal communication as the opposite of or as separate from verbal communication, it’s more accurate to view them as operating side by side—as part of the same system” (Communication, 2016, p.165). Samovar, et. al (2018) add, "we purpose that nonverbal communication involves all those nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are generated by both the source and [their] use of the environment and that have potential message value for the source and/or receiver. "a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning. Perception is more of a process whereby each of us creates “mental images” of the world that surrounds us, that is, of the “world out there” (Green, Fairchild, Knudsen, & Lease-Gubrud, 2018). According to Gamble and Gamble's definition (1996), "Perception is the process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting sense data in a way that enables people to make sense of our world." (p. 77). "the degree to which something attracts our attention in a particular context. The thing attracting our attention can be abstract, like a concept, or concrete, like an object. For example, a person’s identity as a Native American may become salient when they are protesting at the Columbus Day parade in Denver, Colorado. Or a bright flashlight shining in your face while camping at night is sure to be salient. The degree of salience depends on three features (Fiske & Taylor, 1991). We tend to find salient things that are visually or aurally stimulating and things that meet our needs or interests. Lastly, expectations affect what we find salient." Also defined as, "the degree to which we are aware of our identities" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). This page titled 2.1: Perception Process is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anonymous. 2.1: Perception Process by Anonymous is licensed CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Original source: https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/sociology-comprehensive-edition. Physical context includes the environmental factors in a communication encounter. The size, layout, temperature, and lighting of a space influence our communication. Imagine the different physical contexts in which job interviews take place and how that may affect your communication" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "Psychological context includes the mental and emotional factors in a communication encounter. Stress, anxiety, and emotions are just some examples of psychological influences that can affect our communication" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "A vocal element of nonverbal communication is paralanguage, which is the vocalized but not verbal part of a spoken message, such as speaking rate, volume, and pitch" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "messages in which verbal and nonverbal signals contradict each other. For example, a person may say, “You can’t do anything right!” in a mean tone but follow that up with a wink, which could indicate the person is teasing or joking. Mixed messages lead to uncertainty and confusion on the part of receivers, which leads us to look for more information to try to determine which message is more credible: (Communication in the Real World, 2016), Tie signs are nonverbal cues that communicate intimacy and signal the connection between two people. These relational indicators can be objects such as wedding rings or tattoos that are symbolic of another person or the relationship, actions such as sharing the same drinking glass, or touch behaviors such as hand-holding (Afifi & Johnson, 2005). "Immediacy behaviors are verbal and nonverbal behaviors that lessen real or perceived physical and psychological distance between communicators and include things like smiling, nodding, making eye contact, and occasionally engaging in social, polite, or professional touch (Comadena, Hunt, & Simonds, 2007). Immediacy behaviors are a good way of creating rapport, or a friendly and positive connection between people" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "Adaptors are touching behaviors and movements that indicate internal states typically related to arousal or anxiety. Adaptors can be targeted toward the self, objects, or others. In regular social situations, adaptors result from uneasiness, anxiety, or a general sense that we are not in control of our surroundings" (Jersek, 2022). "Emblems are gestures that have an agreed-on meaning in a group, but are not part of a formal sign system like American Sign Language that is explicitly taught to a group of people" (Jersek, 2022). "Illustrators are the most common type of gesture and are used to illustrate or support the verbal message they accompany. For example, you might use hand gestures to indicate the size or shape of an object. Unlike emblems, illustrators do not typically have meaning on their own and are used more subconsciously than emblems. These largely involuntary and seemingly natural gestures flow from us as we speak but vary in terms of intensity and frequency based on the context we’re in" (Jersek, 2022). "Territoriality is an innate drive to take up and defend spaces. This drive is shared by many creatures and entities, ranging from packs of animals to individual humans to nations. Whether it’s a gang territory, a neighborhood claimed by a particular salesperson, your preferred place to sit in a restaurant, your usual desk in the classroom, or the seat you’ve marked to save while getting concessions at a sporting event, we claim certain spaces as our own" (Communication in the Real World). Chronemics refers to the study of how time affects communication. Time can be classified into several different categories, including biological, personal, physical, and cultural time (Andersen, 1999). "Personal time refers to the ways in which individuals experience time. The way we experience time varies based on our mood, our interest level, and other factors" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "Physical time refers to the fixed cycles of days, years, and seasons. Physical time, especially seasons, can affect our mood and psychological states" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "Cultural time refers to how a large group of people view time" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "Polychronic people do not view time as a linear progression that needs to be divided into small units and scheduled in advance. Polychronic people keep more flexible schedules and may engage in several activities at once" (Communication in the Real World, 2016). "Monochronic people tend to schedule their time more rigidly and do one thing at a time"(Communication in the Real World, 2016). Is nonverbal communication free from ambiguity?Nonverbal Communication Is More Ambiguous
As with verbal communication, most of our nonverbal signals can be linked to multiple meanings, but unlike words, many nonverbal signals do not have any one specific meaning.
Why is nonverbal communication more ambiguous?One reason that nonverbal communication is more ambiguous than verbal communication is because it is governed by fewer rules—and most of those will be informal norms. Verbal communication has literally thousands of rules governing grammar, spelling, pronunciation, usage, meaning, and more.
Are nonverbal messages less ambiguous than verbal messages?Nonverbal communication is more ambiguous; thus, it is more context dependent. Because most nonverbal gestures and actions are less well defined than the words, we get a sense of what those variables mean only within the broader context of other nonverbal clues and the verbal communication.
Which of the following statements is true about nonAnswer and Explanation: The correct answer is option B) when verbal and nonverbal messages are contradictory, receivers often give more weight to the nonverbal signals than to the words. Communication through body movement and signs without the use of written and spoken words is termed non-verbal communication.
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