Intercultural Communication

1. Intercultural Communication Chapter 8 Nonverbal Intercultural Communication

2. Definition of Nonverbal Codes • Nonverbal communication is a multi-channeled process that is usually performed spontaneously • Nonverbal and verbal codes inseparably linked together

3. Defining Nonverbal Codes • Some characteristics of nonverbal codes • Function as a “silent language” • Continuous and natural • No dictionaries or formal set of rules • Less precise

4. The relationship takes a variety of forms. • Used to accent the verbal message • Can compliment the verbal message • Sometimes contradictory • Help to regulate interactions • Serve as a substitute for verbal messages

5. Cultural Universals in Nonverbal Communication • Some authors have identified what they refer to as “cultural universals” of nonverbal communication. • Some examples of these nonverbal universals include the shoulder shrug, facial expressions, and the need to be territorial.

6. Cultural Variations in Nonverbal Communication • Nonverbal communication must be interpreted in the context or framework of the culture in which it occurs. • Cultures differ in the specific repertoire of behaviors that are enacted • Cultures have unique sets of display rules • Norms • Intensity • Differences cause discomfort and misinterpretation

7. Cultural Variations in Nonverbal Communication • Cultures vary in interpretation • Behavior is random • Idiosyncratic interpretations • Shared interpretations • Cultures differ in these aspects • None of this is taught verbally-learned through observation and experience

8. Nonverbal Messages in ICC are Multichanneled • Body movements (kinesics) • Emblems • Illustrators • Emphasize, explain, and support • Less arbitrary than emblems • Affect displays • Many universally recognized • May be unconscious and unintentional • Regulators • Adapters

9. Nonverbal Messages in ICC are Multichanneled • Space (proxemics) • Personal space • Awareness of cultural use of space • Intimate, personal, social, public space • Territoriality • Protect and defend • Rage, invasions, and contaminations

10. Nonverbal Messages in ICC are Multichanneled • Touch (haptic) • Express positive or negative feelings • Cultures differences can lead to difficulties • Differ in amount, where, whom, setting, etc.

11. Nonverbal Messages in ICC are Multichanneled • Time (chronemics) • The value placed on the passage of time • Past-oriented cultures • Present-oriented cultures • Future-oriented cultures • They are implicit rules • Technical time systems • Formal time systems • Informal time systems

12. Nonverbal Messages in ICC are Multichanneled • Time (chronemics) • Informal time systems can be • monochronic or • Polychronic • Because cultures differ in their time orientations and in time systems they use to give order to experiences, misinterpretations often occur.

13. Nonverbal Messages in ICC are Multichanneled • Voice (vocalics) • Can include: • Non-speech sounds • Filler sounds • Pitch • Rate • Rhythm • Volume • Convey meaning beyond words

14. Nonverbal Messages in ICC are Multichanneled • Other • Chemical • Dermal • Physical • Artifactual

15. Synchrony of Nonverbal Communication Codes • Synchronized behaviors form patterns • They typify an expected response • Subtlety is clearly noticed • Behavior of all parties must match

16. Nonverbal Communication and Intercultural Competence • The rules and norms that govern most nonverbal communication behaviors are both culture-specific and learned unconsciously. • Monitoring one’s emotional reactions to differences in nonverbal behaviors alerts a person to the interpretations he or she is making and therefore to the possibility of alternative meanings.

17. Nonverbal Communication and Intercultural Competence • A person should observe general tendencies in the nonverbal behavior of culturally different people. • Looking for exceptions to general tendencies observed allows one to recognize that no one individual will fit exactly the cultural generalization formed. • One can practice the ability to observe, evaluate, and behave in effective ways during intercultural encounters.