Non-Verbal communication in England

By

Surya.M

ContentsNon-verbal communicationWhy it is Different among

culturesWhat is the need in learning NVCNon-verbal communication in

England

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Nonverbal Communication

a system of symbolic behaviors that includes all forms of communication except words.

Example: body language“The most important thing in

communication is to hear what isnt being said.”

- Peter F. Drucker Austrian writer and editor

Why it is different among cultures

Can anyone say what this symbol is?

In most of Europe and in the USA, the previous sign symbolises the word ‘ok’.

However, in other cultures it means something different.

For example, in Japan it can mean ‘money’.

In countries such as Germany, it is used offensively (in the same way 2 fingers are in the UK).

In Brazil the sign has a sexual meaning.

In the same way that different cultures may interpret hand gestures differently, they may also interpret facial expressions differently.

Some argue that facial expressions are universal. By this, they mean facial expressions are perceived in the same way by everybody around the world.

Look at the faces and can you say the emotion which one is expressing?

You should find that you interpreted the emotions similarly to other people. Indeed, research suggests that you would interpret them similarly to people from other cultures too.

However, there may be more differences when you have to decide on the degree of emotion.

What is the need in learning NVC

Because nonverbal communication has also cultural meanings and is being interpreted according to the cultural context it occurs.

Cultural norms vary considerably between countries; if you are not familiar with the local body language you might be misunderstood, and sometimes misinterpret the local nonverbal signals.

This can certainly lead to embarrassing and uncomfortable situations

So, before relocating overseas it is recommended to obtain as much information as you can about the nonverbal communication codes that are customary at your destination country.

Understanding body language of the destination country and interpreting body language correctly will not only assist you to avoid unpleasant situation but willgrant you respect from the locals.

NVC in England

Hand gestures:•Hand gestures are particularly popular in England•Hand gestures can be efficient tools to help convey meaning of an expression.•Hand gestures can do a great deal to help understand the emotional state of a person.•Some gestures are,1. V sign2. Thumbs up and thumbs down3. Finger snap4. Ok gesture

The V sign is formed with the help of the middle and the index finger pointing upwards.

In this gesture the thumb and the remaining fingers are facing the person using the gesture.

The V sign in also many other cultures are viewed as the victory or the triumph sign.

Thumbs up is used to indicate that things are okay.

Thumbs down is used to denote a contrary meaning indicating rejection or disapproval.

Finger snap is used to indicate that the person using the gesture has just remembered something.

If the gesture is used again and again it indicates that the person is trying hard to remember something that he/she has forgotten.

The ‘OK’ gesture is also common in England.

This gesture is made with the index finger and the thumb forming a circle. In this gesture the remaining fingers of the hand are pointed upwards.

TAN Q