Body Talk
Páginas: 2 (315 palabras)
Publicado: 8 de octubre de 2012
BODY TALK
Non verbal communication, sometimes called body language, can play as significant a role in the way we interact as the verbal exchanges that make up spoken language. Althoughmany of the visual signals we send out and pick up are universal, the way our bodies “talk” can differ from one country to another.
Some signs are specific to certain countries, such as theFrench gesture of appearing to twist the nose with the fist as an indication of drunkenness. Often, however, the same signs are used in a range of countries, but can mean different things todifferent nationalities. The five rise to possibility of misunderstandings when body language crosses national and cultural borders.
Problems might be encountered, for example, when indicatingnumbers with your fingers. In China, raising the index finger and thumb means eight. In de UK, raising the index finger and middle finger is very impolite sign for “go away”.
Customaryactions may also be a way of sending and receiving important signals. A handshake when greeting someone may be interpreted in different ways depending on circumstances. In cultures where it iscustomary to shake hands each time people see each other, a light handshake may be the norm. In countries where shaking hands is reserved mainly for first introductions, a firm handshake isoften preferred as a sign of vigor and enthusiasm.
Kissing as a greeting is also an area where gestures vary from country to country. The number of kisses and the location (next to the cheek,or on the hand, for example) vary from one culture to another. While in Russia you may be welcomed with a powerful bear hug, the hostess at Japanese tea party may expect rather more delicatetreatment.
In conclusion, gestures should be used with caution. In the event of embarrassment, however, blushing is universally acceptable - the international standard color is red.
Non verbal communication, sometimes called body language, can play as significant a role in the way we interact as the verbal exchanges that make up spoken language. Althoughmany of the visual signals we send out and pick up are universal, the way our bodies “talk” can differ from one country to another.
Some signs are specific to certain countries, such as theFrench gesture of appearing to twist the nose with the fist as an indication of drunkenness. Often, however, the same signs are used in a range of countries, but can mean different things todifferent nationalities. The five rise to possibility of misunderstandings when body language crosses national and cultural borders.
Problems might be encountered, for example, when indicatingnumbers with your fingers. In China, raising the index finger and thumb means eight. In de UK, raising the index finger and middle finger is very impolite sign for “go away”.
Customaryactions may also be a way of sending and receiving important signals. A handshake when greeting someone may be interpreted in different ways depending on circumstances. In cultures where it iscustomary to shake hands each time people see each other, a light handshake may be the norm. In countries where shaking hands is reserved mainly for first introductions, a firm handshake isoften preferred as a sign of vigor and enthusiasm.
Kissing as a greeting is also an area where gestures vary from country to country. The number of kisses and the location (next to the cheek,or on the hand, for example) vary from one culture to another. While in Russia you may be welcomed with a powerful bear hug, the hostess at Japanese tea party may expect rather more delicatetreatment.
In conclusion, gestures should be used with caution. In the event of embarrassment, however, blushing is universally acceptable - the international standard color is red.
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