The nonverbal displays definitely have different meanings among cultures. I remember when I first came to the U.S as a visitor (I was 8) I saw people on the street smiling at me. When it happened more than once, I asked my dad why would strangers smiling on me. He said it is normal in the U.S, it is a sign of friendliness and he told me I should do the same. In the Asian culture, we don’t go around and smile at strangers; people would think you have mental problems. We also don’t make that much eye contact as well. In the U.S eye contact is consider respect, however in the Asian culture, its very impolite if we look an elder in the eyes when we are spoken to. As it was explained in the text “When it comes to other kinds of nonverbal meanings, such as the use of time and space, quite dramatic cultural differences occur. The implication is clear: do not assume that everyone shares your own nonverbal rules” (p.111). Basically, just like verbal language, and other culture differences, nonverbal messages are also important. If we are going to work with people with different backgrounds, we have to be acknowledging of nonverbal aspect as well.
Hey there Sogo. I just wanted to say I enjoy your post and how you were able to make a connection with something that we often would overlook here in the states as something that seems so trivial to us but something that you do not see in other countries. I have visited many different countries in my life, some of which would find many things odd about how I behaved, without me even being conscious of my behavior in the first place. Doing something as small as a smile to a stranger as you pass by them on the road seems to be polite, but can be viewed quite differently to people of different cultures. I remember being in the Eastern Caribbean as a teenager and getting reprimanded for smiling at a cute girl in port. That's what I get for making assumptions I suppose, but I was young and naive (and she was really cute).
ReplyDeleteSogo,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you all cultures have their own different meanings among their nonverbal messages. It is cool that you were actually able to experience these differences. I unfortunately only am able to hear or watch on the news about other cultures. I also used the example of looking people in the eye. I can see how America is a friendly in your face type of culture. We like to step across the boundary to greet strangers. I can see especially for you when you came your nonverbal rules were completely different and how strange at first it was to adjust. I also agree with you on your last sentence. Understanding other people’s nonverbal rules is key in being able to communicate with them. Great job, and good luck with the rest of the semester.
-Giggles