Non-Verbal Language

Content (General): Non-Verbal Language

Students from other countries may experience difficulty with non-verbal communication because of different cultural expectations. A teacher should be aware that various meanings are assigned to gestures and other non-verbal communication elsewhere in the world. For example, in some places, a shake of the head from side to side means "yes" rather than "no." Our gesture for "OK", forefinger forming a circle with the thumb, is not proper in certain countries and cultures. A Mexican student related that he was amazed he could score perfectly on tests when he didn't know English. A checkmark in his former school meant an answer was correct; X meant wrong. A student from the Far East worried that his teacher wished him harm because she used a red pen to correct his paper. The color red meant death to him.

There are three classes of non-verbal communication that deserve attention. These need not be "taught" unless there are specific problems, but it is important to be aware of them.

Proxemics--distance while conversing, choice of place when entering a room, eye contact, etc. Latin cultures may perceive Americans to be cool and distant, because by their standards we stand far apart to talk and display little emotion. On the other hand, Southeast Asians may think Americans impulsive and hot-headed in contrast to the customary coolness and subtlety in their country of origin.
Kinesics--body language, gestures, facial expressions. Smiles, of course, are universal!
Paralinguistics--non-articulated sounds such as "uh-uh" v. "uh-huh".

A lesson in an American style of greeting will serve most students well because first impressions are important. When introduced, look into the person's eyes, smile, extend your right hand for a firm handshake, and say "I'm pleased to meet you!" or "How do you do?"