2. Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

American sociologist Dr. Donald South stressed the importance of nonverbal communication among human beings. Dr. South pointed out that "People communicate not only through verbal language, but also in non verbal languages which include gestures, eye contacts, facial expressions, physical touches and symbols" (1995).

To a certain degree, people employ body language in expressing feeling, exchanging ideas, and conveying messages. "Body language becomes particularly important in cross cultural communication". If one person from a certain cultural background does not speak a foreign language, it is still possible for him to communicate with people of another country by using body language.

To a limited degree, people can reach their goal of communication by showing the same gesture or the same facial expression under a certain circumstance. They are able to express their true meanings or basic attitudes towards each other. Because of the similarities between two cultures, people can employ the universal non verbal language to extend a message.

On the other hand, non verbal language also helps people enhance their expressions during their communication. To smile at someone is a commonplace non verbal cue that is always welcomed and accepted by all cultures (Zhou, 1993). This facial expression suggests friendliness and kindness and good will. The shaking of hands is also a common non verbal language that is associated with warm greeting and friendship (Zhou, 1993).

Nonverbal language, however, has its limitations. Generally speaking, there are more differences than similarities between two cultures. Let us take gestures as an example. A gesture in one culture does not always convey the same meaning in another culture. The gesture that Chinese people use to ask some one to come over is the same gesture that American people use when bidding "good-bye" to friends. In China, nodding one's head means "yes", whereas in Turkey, this body movement means "No". Snapping one's fingers to call a waiter in restaurants may be appropriate in one country, but may be regarded as rude in other countries.

To put one's thumb and forefinger together and form a large "O" is a standard North American gesture which demonstrates agreement and appreciation. This is an emblem for "I am all right" or "Everything is fine".

However, this "OK" gesture has a completely different meaning in different countries. In China, it means "nothing" or "zero". In and around France, it also stand for "zero' and "worthless". When a student in China meets his Waterloo during an examination, his teacher might make this "OK" gesture towards him.

In Japan, the "OK" gesture is employed by people when they refer to money. "In Mediterranean countries and in the Middle East, it is an obscene gesture" (Merrier et al., 1979). Whereas the same "OK" gesture is considered a signal for buggery in some Latin American countries.

For satirical purposes, some magazine editors in Brazil enjoyed publishing a picture of a former President of the United States, who put up his hands making two "OK" gestures.

Some differences in body language are insignificant and can be ignored. Other differences, which are particularly important may cause a huge gap between the two partners during interaction. Misunderstanding or misinterpretation of other cultures will create a persistent negative attitude toward people of that culture (Zhou, 1993).

Sometimes, the result can become disastrous to the person involved. It was reported that an American tourist was arrested in the city of Naples, Italy, because of a cultural conflict. After enjoying the delicious dish and good service in a restaurant, he made an "OK" gesture to the waitress without prior knowledge that this particular gesture was an obscene symbol in this city. He was charged with violating the public morality of the city and was detained by the authorities for several hours.

As another important means of interpersonal communication, eye contacts stand out as one of the most prominent human behaviors which has an annotation of variety in different culture. Therefore it is also an important aspect that make people fall into the trap of misunderstanding and misconception during intercultural interaction.

In United States, twinkling one eye by a woman is always suggesting the message of "Got it" or "Understand". In China, this particular eye movement always suggest intimacy, admiration, even romantic significance.

I had experienced this cultural shock in my first week intern in the District Court when a young lady twinkled her eye toward me after replying my question. However, when another old lady also twinkled her eye to me in the third week, I was really startled. It was not until I asked other American colleagues about this before I realized the differences in the eye contacts of different culture.

In Hong Kong and some southern portions of China, people are inclined to show their appreciation to others by putting down the three middle fingers and keep on tapping the table when they are being served tea or wine in a restaurant. This symbol, however, suggests sexual advances in the Philippines.

If a Chinese tourist unwittingly makes this gesture to a waitress in Manila, he is most likely to have a similar unpleasant experience such as the American tourist incurred in Italy. People encounter cultural conflict because of their unawareness of cultural differences.

(1996)
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