COMMUNICATION

Communication skills. Types of non verbal communications. (march 2010). Retrieved May 7, 2011. From: http://www.communication-type.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2/

The following video explains in a different way Non-verbal communication and shows some examples of how it is used:

Austin Werner, Ben Allman, Sam Allman, Non-verbal communication (September 2009). Retrieved May 7, 2011. From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsjZrkm-2Tk

DISCUSSION: Which ones are the main Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication?

Different countries have different ways of communicating; issues of cultural background, regional variations, gender and personal idiolect come into play in non-verbal communication.

Some examples of gestures that may not translate include pointing. Pointing with a single finger is considered rude in many Asian cultures, is better to indicate direction by gesturing with a whole hand. Even among those cultures that use a single finger to point, there is variation. In the US, americans use the index finger to point. In Germany, using the pinky to point is common. The gesture that Americans use to indicate everything is okay is a very offensive gesture in many parts of the world.

Skillful Communications. (march 2010). Retrieved May 6, 2011. From:  http://skillfullydone.com/non-verbal-communication-interview

Eye contact can indicate a degree of attention or interest. It can be used to indicate attraction, to establish power, indicate emotion, and influence attitude. In some western cultures they perceive direct eye contact as a positive trait. But in certain parts of Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia avoiding eye contact is the way to show respect. Extended eye-contact in these cultures may be taken as disrespectful or a challenge to authority.

Physical contact: Different cultures have different rules for physical contact. Norms for the type of contact, the length of contact and the persons involved in contact vary.

Upon encountering an individual, even a stranger, Americans shaking hands as the norms. In certain situations, hugging upon meeting is acceptable. Islamic cultures generally do not approve of touching between genders, though many Islamic men who do business internationally have learned to adopt more western customs in dealing with women. Also many Asian cultures do not allow touching on the head as it houses the soul.

Facial expressions: All cultures seem to express with the same basic facial expressions the basic emotions of anger, grief, happiness and fear. But the acceptability of such expression varies from culture to culture. Many Asian cultures don't easily express anger or grief on their faces, while Mediterranean Latin and Arabic cultures permit open expressions of grief.

Communication. Retrieved May 6, 2011. From: http://jio2665.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/non-verbal-communication-examples.jpg

References:
- Naphtalia Leba. (July 2010). Understanding Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communications. Retrieved May 6, 2011. From: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5568614/understanding_cultural_differences.html?cat=16
- Vermont Department of Health. Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication. Retrieved May 7, 2011. From: http://healthvermont.gov/family/toolkit/tools%5CF-6%20Cultural%20Differences%20in%20Nonverbal%20Communic.pdf