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Nonverbal Communication
Language plays a
commanding role as a means of communication. When we communicate
with other people, we use our facial expression, eye contact,
body movement, intonation, volume of voice, clothing, body
decoration, time, space and many other ways to transmit
information. Such means of communication without words are
called nonverbal communication. People had developed nonverbal
communication skills long before they began to talk. Some
researchers are sure that nonverbal communication is more
powerful than verbal communication. Ray Birdwhistell of the
University of Pennsylvania has estimated that 30 or 35 percent
of human communication occurs through words, the rest through
nonverbal modes. The first scientific study of nonverbal
communication was Charles Darwin's book 'The Expression of the
Emotions in Man and Animals' (1872). In this work Charles Darwin
studied facial expression.
Nonverbal
communication can be communicated through gesture and touch, by
body language or posture, by facial expression and eye contact
as well as through object communication such as hairstyles or
even furniture. In other words nonverbal communication can be
considered 'silent language' which serves to express feelings
without using words.
Nonverbal
communication takes place simultaneously with verbal
communication. For example, when we agree or disagree with
somebody, we often nod or shake our head to convey positive or
negative feelings. We can show a person that we are pleased with
him or her or want to be friendly patting him or her on the
shoulder. The words of love and affection are often accompanied
by a hug or kiss.
Many aspects of
nonverbal communication are greatly influenced by culture.
People from different cultures interpret nonverbal behavior
differently. For example, in Australia winking at women is
improper; in Finland folding one's arms shows arrogance and
pride; in Greece waving is an insult. Direct eye contact is a
sign of respect and attention in America and Europe; whereas in
some Asian countries downcast eyes are a sign of respect and
attention. In many Asian cultures, the bow signifies the
culture's concern with status and rank. In Japan low posture is
an indicator of respect. In the United States, where people are
usually informal and friendly, Americans often fall into chairs
or slouch when they stand. In Germany and Sweden, where people
are more formal, slouching is a sign of rudeness and poor
manners. In Ghana and in Turkey, sitting with one's legs crossed
is extremely offensive.
Proximity and
touching behavior often convey attitudes of liking and affection
in many cultures. Latin Americans and Southern Europeans use
touching behavior frequently and have a closer distance for
conversation. In Thailand, patting an adult on the head is
offensive.
In different
countries people have different ways of greeting each other.
Arab men often greet by kissing on both cheeks. In Thailand
people greet with both hands closed in front of chest. In Japan,
men greet by bowing, and in the United States, people shake
hands.
Even the high or
low pitch of the tone and volume of the voice play a very
important role in communication and may be interpreted
differently. Arabs speak very loudly to show strength and
sincerity. Germans use a commanding tone to show authority and
self-confidence. In Japan, raising one's voice often means a
lack of self-control. For Japanese people a gentle and soft
voice reflects good manners.
We should
remember that what is acceptable in one culture may be
completely unacceptable in another. For example, the 'OK'
gesture in the American culture is a symbol for money in Japan.
The same gesture is obscene in some Latin American countries;
while for Chinese or people in the South of France it is zero or
nothing.
People's
nonverbal actions can say us much more than their words. For
example, your partner wants to show you that he is calm, relaxed
and self-confident, but his voice quavers and you notice his
hands shake. That indicates that in reality this person is
nervous and lacks confidence. Observing a person's body language
you can understand if he or she is telling the truth or lying.
When someone tells a lie, he or she often makes many speech
errors, hesitates, flushes or turns pale.
Physical
appearance plays a very important role in communication and
helps us produce a favourable impression. Eye contact can show a
variety of emotions such as warmth, disapproval, irritation,
distrust, surprise, interest, attention, sadness and so on.
Good
communicative techniques in both verbal and nonverbal ways can
help you become a successful communicator. If we want to avoid
breaks in communication and personal relationships, we should
take into consideration cultural differences and behave in an
appropriate way both verbally and nonverbally. If you observe a
person's gestures, posture, facial expression and movements, you
will be able to catch the right information. Remember that a
sincere smile and a friendly expression facilitate communication
and help remove the barrier between interlocutors.
1. Read the following sentences and circle TRUE or FALSE:
1) People had developed nonverbal communication skills long
before they began to talk. T|F|
2) Ray Birdwhistell of the University of Pennsylvania has
estimated that 70 or 75 percent of human communication occurs
through words. T|F|
3) Many aspects of nonverbal communication are greatly
influenced by culture. T|F|
4) In Australia winking at women is a sign of admiration and
respect. T|F|
5) In Finland folding one's arms shows pensiveness and
concentration. T|F|
6) In some Asian countries direct eye contact is a sign of
respect and attention. T|F|
7) In Ghana and in Turkey, sitting with one's legs crossed is
extremely offensive. T|F|
8) Arabs speak very loudly to show anger and irritation.
2. Complete each sentence (A-H) with one of the endings
(1-8):
A. Nonverbal communication can be communicated through
B. Nonverbal communication takes place
C. In Greece waving is
D. In many Asian cultures, the bow signifies
E. In Germany and Sweden slouching is a sign of
F. Latin Americans and Southern Europeans use touching behavior
frequently and have
G. In Japan, raising one's voice often means
H. Observing a person's body language you can understand if
1. the culture's concern with status and rank.
2. a lack of self-control.
3. simultaneously with verbal communication.
4. gesture and touch, by body language or posture, by facial
expression and eye contact as well as through object
communication such as hairstyles or even furniture.
5. an insult.
6. he or she is telling the truth or lying.
7. a closer distance for conversation.
8. rudeness and poor manners.
3. People often use 'silent language' to show their emotions
and to send messages without words. What nonverbal modes will
you use to show that you are
— in a hurry
— tired
— angry
— in low spirits
— bored
— excited
— surprised
—friendly/u nfrie ndly
— interested
— attentive
— nervous
— pleased
For example: When a person is in a hurry he can look at his
watch repeatedly and fidget uneasily in his seat.
4. What may the following nonverbal messages indicate?
A person
(1) nods his head; (2) pats another person on the shoulder; (3)
shrugs his shoulders; (4) places his index finger to his lips;
(5) keeps silence; (6) coughs slightly; (7) waves his hand; (8)
stares fixedly at another person; (9) raises his voice; (10)
stammers; (11) covers his face with his hands; (12) smiles a
lot.
5. Answer the questions
1) What ways do we use to transmit information besides
language?
2) Why do many researchers believe that nonverbal communication
is more powerful than verbal communication?
3) What is the connection between nonverbal communication and a
person's culture?
4) How do people greet each other in different countries? How do
they greet each other in your country?
5) What role do the high or low pitch of the tone and volume of
the voice play in communication?
6) What can the 'OK' gesture mean in different countries?
7) Why does physical appearance play a very important role in
communication?
8) Why is it useful to develop good communicative techniques?
9) What should you do to avoid breaks in communication and
personal relationships?
10) How can you facilitate communication?
6. Read and translate the quotations below. Choose any
statement and comment on it
• 'A warm smile is the universal language of kindness'.
(William A. Ward)
• 'It [communication] means common understanding, a common
tradition, common ideas, and common ideals. (Robert M. Hutchins)
• 'Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding
a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can
rapidly improve the quality of evry part of your life.' (Brian
Tracy)
• 'Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you
feel about what you know.' (Jim Rohn)
• 'Language is a social art.' (Willard Van Orman Quine)
Find more information about nonverbal communication in
different countries and prepare a report on this topic.
A.
What do you know about nonverbal communication? Give the
definition of this term.
B. Read the text 'Nonverbal Communication' and say what facts
you have learnt about nonverbal communication in different
countries.
Из учебного пособия
"Открывая
мир с английским языком. Современные темы для обсуждения.
Готовимся к ЕГЭ" Юнёва С.А. 2012г.
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