the meaning of those actions (sadness or
happiness), and the contextual backdrop
(funeral or wedding). Our thesis should
now be clear:Nonverbal communication is
a vital component whenever people of differ-
ent cultures come together to share ideas,
information, and feelings.
As a student of intercultural communication, learning about the connection
between culture and nonverbal behavior will help to improve the manner in which
you engage in intercultural interactions. Hall underscores the need to learn about
nonverbal behaviors in the following:
I remain convinced that much of our difficulty with people in other countries stems from
the fact that so little is known about cross-cultural communication.... Formal training in
the language, history, government, and customs is only a first step. Of equal importance is
an introduction to the nonverbal language of the country. Most Americans are only dimly
aware of this silent language, even though they use it every day.^11
By understanding cultural differences in nonverbal behavior you will also be able
to gather clues about underlying attitudes and values being expressed by your commu-
nication partner. How far people stand from each other during normal conversation
can offer clues to their views on privacy. Bowing tells you that a culture values for-
mality, rank, and status. It is not by chance that Hindus greet each other by placing
their palms together in front of their chests while tilting their heads slightly down-
ward. This salutation reflects their belief that the deity exists in everyone.Classifications of Nonverbal Communication
Messages of the Body
As we begin our discussion of the classifications of nonverbal communication, you
will notice that our analysis of each category starts with the behaviors found in the
dominant culture of the United States. We remind you of the integrated nature of
these categories. The messages you produce do not take place as individual units.
Rather, there are usually many messages being sent. Keeping this notion in mind,
most classifications divide nonverbal messages into two comprehensive categories:
(1) those that are primarily produced by the body (appearance, movement, facial
expressions, eye contact, touch, and paralanguage) and (2) those that the individual
combines with the setting (space, time, and silence).Appearance
In the West, concern for how one looks takes a variety of forms. From hair sprays to
hairpieces, from fat-reducing diets to twenty-four-hour fitness centers, from false eye-
lashes to blue contact lenses, and from cosmetic surgery to tanning salons, people
show their concern for how they appear to others. The popularity of tattooing is
another good example of how large numbers of people strive to make themselvesREMEMBER THIS
Nonverbal communication is an integrated system. This means
that the nonverbal messages you create are not perceived as
individual units. Rather, there are usually many messages being
sent at the same time.302 CHAPTER 9•Nonverbal Communication: The Messages of Action, Space, Time, and Silence
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