01-19-2011, 06:14 AM
Its just for idea
“Non-verbal Communication is miscommunication.” Comment.
Nonverbal communication or body language is an important part of how people communicate and there
are differences from culture to culture. Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact (or its lack) are a
few of the aspects of nonverbal communication that may vary significantly depending upon cultural
background.
Below Cultural differences leads to miscommunication in non-verbal communication.
Gestures:
There are a number of gestures commonly used in the United States that may have a different meaning
and/or be offensive to those from other cultures. One common example is the use of a finger or hand to
indicate “come here please”. This is the gesture used to beckon dogs in some cultures and is very
offensive. Pointing with one finger is also considered to be rude in some cultures and Asians typically
use their entire hand to point to something.
Touch:
While patting a child’s head is considered to be a friendly or affectionate gesture in our culture, it is
considered inappropriate by many Asians to touch someone on the head, which is believed to be a
sacred part of the body. In the Middle East, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and should not
be used to touch another or transfer objects. In Muslim cultures, touch between opposite gendered
individuals is generally inappropriate.
Eye contact/gaze:
In mainstream Western culture, eye contact is interpreted as attentiveness and honesty; we are taught
that we should “look people in the eye” when talking. In many cultures, however, including Hispanic,
Asian, Middle Eastern, and Native American, eye contact is thought to be disrespectful or rude, and
lack of eye contact does not mean that a person is not paying attention. Women may especially avoid
eye contact with men because it can be taken as a sign of sexual interest.
Of special note when working with babies:
Although it is common in Western culture for adults to admire babies and young children and comment
upon how cute they are, this is avoided in Hmong and Vietnamese cultures for fear that these comments
may be overheard by a spirit that will try to steal the baby or otherwise cause some harm to come to
him or her.
“Non-verbal Communication is miscommunication.” Comment.
Nonverbal communication or body language is an important part of how people communicate and there
are differences from culture to culture. Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact (or its lack) are a
few of the aspects of nonverbal communication that may vary significantly depending upon cultural
background.
Below Cultural differences leads to miscommunication in non-verbal communication.
Gestures:
There are a number of gestures commonly used in the United States that may have a different meaning
and/or be offensive to those from other cultures. One common example is the use of a finger or hand to
indicate “come here please”. This is the gesture used to beckon dogs in some cultures and is very
offensive. Pointing with one finger is also considered to be rude in some cultures and Asians typically
use their entire hand to point to something.
Touch:
While patting a child’s head is considered to be a friendly or affectionate gesture in our culture, it is
considered inappropriate by many Asians to touch someone on the head, which is believed to be a
sacred part of the body. In the Middle East, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and should not
be used to touch another or transfer objects. In Muslim cultures, touch between opposite gendered
individuals is generally inappropriate.
Eye contact/gaze:
In mainstream Western culture, eye contact is interpreted as attentiveness and honesty; we are taught
that we should “look people in the eye” when talking. In many cultures, however, including Hispanic,
Asian, Middle Eastern, and Native American, eye contact is thought to be disrespectful or rude, and
lack of eye contact does not mean that a person is not paying attention. Women may especially avoid
eye contact with men because it can be taken as a sign of sexual interest.
Of special note when working with babies:
Although it is common in Western culture for adults to admire babies and young children and comment
upon how cute they are, this is avoided in Hmong and Vietnamese cultures for fear that these comments
may be overheard by a spirit that will try to steal the baby or otherwise cause some harm to come to
him or her.