Because of different interpretations of the same gesture between cultures,
the correct reading is dependent on the context in which the signal occurs.
Illustrators
Illustrators create a visual image and support the spoken message. They tend
to be subconscious movements occurring more regularly than emblematic
kinesic movements.
Example: Holding your hands apart to indicate size.
The usage and the amount of illustrators used differ from culture to culture.
In general, Latinos use illustrators more than their Anglo-Saxon counterparts,
who make more use of illustrators than many Asian cultures. In some Asian
cultures, extensive use of illustrators is often interpreted as a lack of intelli-
gence. In Latin cultures, the absence of illustrators indicates a lack of
interest.
Affective displays
Affective displays tend to be movements, usually facial gestures, displaying
specific emotions. They’re less conscious than illustrators and occur less fre-
quently. Although they convey universal emotions and can be understood
fairly easily, the degree and frequency with which they occur is determined
by cultural mores.
Example: Expressions of love, frustration, or anger.
A lack of affective displays doesn’t indicate a lack of emotion. Cultural con-
siderations determine what is considered to be acceptable behaviour. A
person from Japan expressing anger shows significantly fewer affective
display movements than his Italian counterpart. This doesn’t suggest, how-
ever, that the Japanese person is feeling any less annoyed. The Japanese are
taught to hold in their emotions whereas Italians are encouraged to express
them fully.
Regulators
Regulators– body movements that control, adjust, and sustain the flow of a
conversation – are frequently relied on to feedback how much of the message
the listener has understood.
Example: Head nodding and eye movements.
Because of cultural differences in the use of regulators, the way in which
people respond to the flow of information can be confusing. A misinterpreted
regulatory signal in international politics and business can lead to serious
problems.
Chapter 2: Looking Closer at Non-verbal Gestures 37