finger, or even pause as a way of altering the conversation. These and other actions
can regulate everything from when the conversation can begin, when it is your time
to speak, and even when it is time for the interaction to conclude.Substituting for Words
Another function of nonverbal messages is that they can be used as substitutes for
words. For example, there are many occasions when someone who is carrying terrible
news will end up signaling sorrow without uttering a sound. A teacher may place an
index finger to the lips as an alternative to saying,“Please be quiet.”People often use
the hands to beckon someone to come closer or use the same hands to say
“good-bye.”In each of these examples, an action is replacing a verbal utterance, and
that action becomes the language.
We should point out that while we treated the functions of nonverbal communi-
cation as if they were separate or independent elements, they are not. These elements
usually work in tandem. Although on some occasions they operate in isolation,“more
commonly there is interaction between nonverbal behavior and verbal behavior to
produce meaning in the minds of others.”^7
To help you understand the language of nonverbal communication and its role in
intercultural communication, we will (1) suggest some guidelines for studying nonver-
bal communication, (2) link nonverbal communication to culture, (3) discuss the
major classifications of nonverbal messages, and (4) offer some advice on how to
better employ nonverbal communication within the intercultural context.Studying Nonverbal Communication
Because the study of nonverbal communication has become part of“popular culture,”
this complex and multifaceted subject is often trivialized. Many“news”programs and
talk-shows, for example, frequently employ an“expert”in nonverbal communication
to inform viewers of what politicians are“really saying.”This marginalizing often
means that nonverbal communication is presented in a disingenuous and frivolous
manner. Therefore, we need to pause before pursuing the topic any further and men-
tion some potential problems and misconceptions associated with this area of study.Nonverbal Communication Is a Multichannel Activity
The above heading alludes to the notion that nonverbal communication usually
involves more than one message being sent at a time. For example, you might be talk-
ing with a friend while you are holding his or her hand and looking at your friend.
Here, three communication activities (talking, touching, eye contact) are going on
simultaneously. The problems associated with the multichannel nature of nonverbal
communication often show themselves when people focus on one channel and forget
the others. For example, your friend might not have direct eye contact with you while
you are talking. What is this behavior signifying—if anything? In short, a great300 CHAPTER 9•Nonverbal Communication: The Messages of Action, Space, Time, and Silence
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