Nonverbal communication issues and challenges

Nonvrbl Comm

Nonverbal Communication

This paper will briefly explore the concept of nonverbal communication. It is important to have a clear definition of nonverbal communication and how it varies from culture to culture. In many ways, this method of communication can carry greater weight than words and reinforce cultural stereotypes. Nonverbal communication can also play a role in defining the relationship between cultural identity and cultural space. The paragraphs below explore these topics and what they mean to the new global culture emerging as a result of new technologies.

In order to better understand, intercultural communication, one must first understand the concept of nonverbal communication. The old adage, "actions speak louder than words" can be completely true. People have just grown so accustomed to nonverbal language that it appears seamless amongst verbal dialogues. Still if one masters an understanding of nonverbal communication, this will allow for the verbal communications to gain new meaning and this brings about a more open discourse especially among different cultures. First one must define nonverbal behavior and recognize that people of certain cultures identify themselves with certain behaviors. This in turn, reinforces cultural identity and cultural space.

Nonverbal communication is communication through other means than words. Good examples of nonverbal behaviors are facial expression, eye contact, conversational silence and cultural space. This notion of cultural space emphasizes "the contexts that form our identity" (149) or in other words brings meaning to the places where he or she is from. One gets cues regarding nonverbal communication more unconsciously than through grammar or spelling lessons. Throughout life, we learn strategies toward how to use nonverbal communication to benefit our personality. For instance, we are taught to shake hands firmly when you meet someone or women cross their legs when sitting. Sometimes the verbal and nonverbal behaviors are not in alignment with the message being presented. This can be attributed to body language containing the real message of how the person really feels. Therefore it is important for one to take in the full message and not interpret one behavior over the other. This makes understanding intercultural differences in nonverbal communication very important.