Post 204: Non-Verbal Intercultural Communication

Post 204: Non-Verbal Intercultural Communication

Nonverbal elements of cultural communication are highly dynamic and play an 
important role in understanding intercultural communication. Consider misun- 
derstandings based on differing expectations for spatial distance. For example, 
a new co-worker from Mexico who is accustomed to closer spatial distances 
stands closer to you than you are comfortable with and you back up to become 
comfortable, what does this action communicate to your co-worker? The con- 
sequences for this encounter may be a bit awkward, but in some other instances, 
understanding nonverbal communication can be a key to survival. (Nakayama, 266)

In many cultures, the definition of personal space differs. In Latin cultures, it is okay for men to kiss and hug. In North American culture, people feel more comfortable if there is space between people and men shake hands with each other.

Right before I left for my study abroad trip to France, the college professor gave us a cultural sensitivity lecture. He told the male American study abroad students "Do not punch a male European in the face if that male European tries to kiss you. Kissing among Europeans male and female is like shaking hands in America. It is not a come on and they are not trying to ask you out on a date."

When I was in Taiwan visiting my relatives, my female cousin put her arm around me as we were walking down the street, then I pulled away. My Taiwan cousin was offended, but as a North American, I was not used to any female putting her arm around me. In the end, we had to talk about our cultural differences so that neither of us would be offended. It seems in Taiwan culture, it is normal for cousins to hold hands, put their arms around each other and this is seen in Taiwan culture as casual affectionate contact among family members like hugging your brother or sister in America is casual affectionate contact among family members. Nakayama calls the study of personal space 'proxemics' and how personal space differs from culture to culture. (268)

In China, Chinese McDonalds employees have to learn how to smile at all customers since that is what American McDonald employees do in America. In China, Chinese people greet each other through bowing, not smiling. Or they may say to each other, a casual 'How are you?" McDonalds also have to teach their European McDonald employees to smile at customers too, since Europeans only smile at people they know very well like family or close family friends. Europeans do not smile at total strangers at a McDonalds.

Also, in Asian, making eye contact is rude. Asians avoid eye contact to be respectful. In the US, if you avoid eye contact, you are seen as rude. Body language in different cultures differ and have different historical context that a traveler needs to be aware of to avoid misunderstandings and gaffes.

Therefore, it is important to learn the body language culture of another country to avoid such awkward gaffes. Making awkward gaffes makes you look like a novice in the business world, a title you do not want to have if you are trying to look like an expert to sell your product to another country.

Nakayama. Intercultural Communication in Context  5th Edition