4. Nonverbal Communication
a system of symbolic behaviors that
includes all forms of communication
except words.
Example: body language
“The most important thing in
communication is to hear what isnt
being said.”
- Peter F. Drucker
Austrian writer and editor
8. In most of Europe and in the USA, the
previous sign symbolises the word ‘ok’.
However, in other cultures it means
something different.
For example, in Japan it can mean ‘money’.
In countries such as Germany, it is used
offensively (in the same way 2 fingers are in
the UK).
In Brazil the sign has a sexual meaning.
9. In the same way that different cultures may
interpret hand gestures differently, they may
also interpret facial expressions differently.
Some argue that facial expressions are
universal. By this, they mean facial
expressions are perceived in the same way
by everybody around the world.
10. Look at the faces and can you say
the emotion which one is
expressing?
11. You should find that you interpreted
the emotions similarly to other people.
Indeed, research suggests that you
would interpret them similarly to
people from other cultures too.
However, there may be more
differences when you have to decide
on the degree of emotion.
13. Because nonverbal communication has
also cultural meanings and is being
interpreted according to the cultural context
it occurs.
Cultural norms vary considerably between
countries; if you are not familiar with the
local body language you might be
misunderstood, and sometimes misinterpret
the local nonverbal signals.
This can certainly lead to embarrassing and
uncomfortable situations
14. So, before relocating overseas it is
recommended to obtain as much
information as you can about the nonverbal
communication codes that are customary at
your destination country.
Understanding body language of the
destination country and interpreting body
language correctly will not only assist you to
avoid unpleasant situation but will
grant you respect from the locals.
16. Hand gestures:
•Hand gestures are particularly popular in
England
•Hand gestures can be efficient tools to help
convey meaning of an expression.
•Hand gestures can do a great deal to help
understand the emotional state of a person.
•Some gestures are,
1. V sign
2. Thumbs up and thumbs down
3. Finger snap
4. Ok gesture
17. The V sign is formed with the help of
the middle and the index finger
pointing upwards.
In this gesture the thumb and
the remaining fingers are facing
the person using the gesture.
The V sign in also many other
cultures are viewed as the
victory or the triumph sign.
18. Thumbs up is used to indicate that
things are okay.
Thumbs down is used to denote a
contrary meaning indicating rejection
or disapproval.
19. Finger snap is used to indicate that
the person using the gesture has just
remembered something.
If the gesture is used again and again
it indicates that the person is trying
hard to remember something that
he/she has forgotten.
20. The ‘OK’ gesture is also common in
England.
This gesture is made with the index
finger and the thumb forming a circle.
In this gesture the remaining fingers of
the hand are pointed upwards.