Communication Between Cultures

Verbal and Nonverbal Messages

We have already indicated that nonverbal communication is a multidimensional

and complex activity. You can observe the truth of that assertion by realizing that

nonverbal messages can serve as substitutes for verbal messages. In addition, verbal

and nonverbal messages often work in unison. Knapp, Hall, and Horgan emphasize

this idea:“We need to understand that separating verbal and nonverbal behavior

into two separate and distinct categories is virtually impossible.”^4 The interfacing

of the verbal with the nonverbal is reflected in a number of ways. For example,

you often use nonverbal messages to repeat a point you are trying to make verbally.

You could place your index finger over your lips while whispering,“Please don’t

yell,”to someone who was shouting. You can also observe the reciprocal relation-

ship between words and actions if you tell someone you are pleased with his or her

performance while patting him or her on the shoulder.

The Functions of Nonverbal Communication

As you can tell from the previous few pages, nonverbal communication is both omni-

present and an indispensable constituent of human interaction. This point is demon-

strated by the fact that nonverbal messages serve a number of specific functions.

Examining a few of those functions will illustrate why any study of intercultural com-

munication must include information about nonverbal behavior.

Conveying Internal States

As illustrated in our initial story about the college student and the employment inter-

view, consciously and unconsciously, intentionally and unintentionally, people make

important judgments about each other through nonverbal symbols. These symbols

express attitudes, feelings, values, and emotions. If you see someone with a clenched

fist and an inhospitable expression, you do not need words to tell you that the person

may not be happy. If you hear someone’s voice quaver and witness their hands tremble,

you may infer that the person is fearful or anxious, despite what might be said. If some-

one smiles as you approach, you feel far more at ease than if they were scowling.

Be it fear, joy, anger, or sadness, your posture, face, and eyes can convey your feel-

ings without you ever uttering a word. For this reason, the interpretations assigned to

nonverbal messages influence how one assesses the quality of a relationship. From the

amount of touching that takes place, to the tone of voice being used, to the distance

between you and your partner, you can gather clues to the closeness of your relation-

ship. The first time you move from holding hands to touching your partner’s face, you

are sending a message, and that message takes on added significance if your touch is

returned. In short,“people use nonverbal cues to define the social and emotional

nature of their relationships and interactions.”^5

Creating Identity

Not only do you use nonverbal communication to tell others about what you are

thinking and feeling, but you also utilize nonverbal symbols to“tell”yourself and

298 CHAPTER 9•Nonverbal Communication: The Messages of Action, Space, Time, and Silence

Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).