One of the principles of Nonverbal Communication is that rules for communicating nonverbally differ from culture from culture. For example, in western society looking at someone in the eyes when being spoken to is considered a sign of paying attention and respect; whereas, in Asian cultures it is seen as a sign of disrespect. Share with us another example of how nonverbal communication rules vary by culture (location, gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, workplace, etc). Did you make a nonverbal blooper? If so, what happened?
Posts
well..... i can think of a time where i was introduced to someone and i shook their hand and was going to give them a kiss on the cheek ( since in my family and in some parts of mexico) a greeting with a kiss on the cheek is not uncommon...well i was going to kiss the person on the cheek and they sort of backed away! lol :) ...i guess they just werent used to it..but then they returned the gesture.
ReplyDeleteHow is this nonverbal gestures? For the guys in the class, becareful because in Australia, "By turning the glass upside down and placing it squarely on the bar, you are saying that you can win a fight against anyone at the bar." Or for the ladies if they are being asked in Saudi Arabia to go on a date? There, " Shaking the head from side to side means yes!" One more just for fun, You an American woman and are about to be married in Turkey. So at the family's dinner reception, you are asked by one of your fiancee's relatives just what you think about him for a husband. Reacting from instinct you smile widely and boast proudly "he's really great guy," while proudly making the OK sign with your fingers for everyone to see!Suddenly everyone is starring daggers at you because you just told the entire world that your finacee is a homosexual!LOL!
ReplyDeleteI remember one time I was out with my Uncle Nader, we had gone to a hardware store to pick up some nails to hang a painting up. After the transaction the teller helping us put his left hand out to shake with my uncle,Nader gave him a dirty look and walked away. The guy asked me what his problem was so I told him in middle eastern culture it is customary to shake hands with the right hand. Along time ago in a less civilized age before toilet paper made its way to the Arabian lands, people would wipe up their business with the left hand and since then there has been a stigmata attached to the left hand that they still haven't gotten over. He laughed we shook hands and everything was alright. It was still and uncomfortable situation though.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, my family never made it a rule to take off your shoes before walking on the carpet. I realize in other households that is a definite no-no. In 7th grade I slept over at a friends house and upon entering saw everyone else taking their shoes off, but thought it was just because there was a shoe cubby in the entry way and that's where the family kept their shoes. When I stepped onto the carpet with my shoes on my friend's mother yelled at me to take them off. I was embarrassed because I had no idea that my not taking my shoes off would offend someone so much. I guess my friend, who had always been made to remove her shoes, didn't think to caution me to do so. Now I always ask when I go to someone else's house if I need to remove my shoes before entering.
ReplyDeleteThe only bloopers i can think of are when I'm meeting people from different places around the country. Im so used to shaking hands with my normal friends that i really notice the different varients when shaking other people's hands. People that aren't from San Antonio have different tendencies when shaking hands and saying hi. Some places I've noticed when walking past people to say hi they nod but in other places they lift their chin. When I shake certain people's hand they like to shake hands and give "dap." (pound fists) Others just shake hands and others just dap. It can be a little weird if you aren't on the same page with the person you're shaking hands with.
ReplyDeleteI think traveling anywhere can be more enjoyable if you understand a little bit of the culture of the place you want to visit. Also helps misunderstanding between people from different cultures. For example, In Mexico is normal to kiss in the cheek a men or a woman. When I came to San Antonio from Mexico, it was like five years ago, I remember the fist party I attend. I did not speak English and some time I did not understand anything, so going to does parties was boring for me. One of my friends introduce an American guy to me, my reaction without thinking was, saying nice to meet you and trying to give him a kiss, I got confuse when he moved forward. I just try like nothing happens but I felt so uncomfortable. Latter I ask my friend why that guy move when I was trying to be friendly and she explains to me that Americans do not give kisses to friends. After that party I learned that Americans said hi or bye with a hug, when you already friends if not they just shake your hand.
ReplyDeleteLast year one of my favorite bands came to Texas three times, I refuse to sit in a seat at shows if I cant get in the pit I'd rather not go. The whole fun of this is enjoying this experience is jumping around and yelling (not talking) with a million other sweaty crazy people, and its the funnest when everyone there has that same idea. The first show was in Houston it was baddddasss probably the best of the three, not too many crazy people taking it overboard everyone singing dancing having a good time. The second in San Antonio was a total other story first on the way in people were trying to cut in line, once we actually got inside before the band came out people would just stand right on top of you testing to see how far they could go before you either said something or just moved out of the way... so annoying! The last show in Austin was really chill and a younger crowd all around, which was good for the music... Weird how even from city to city in Texas rules on personal space change
ReplyDeleteI come from a hispanic family that values respect. I always have to come into a gathering kissing everyone on the cheek, the men eat first, the younger kids sit down and talk amongst themselves quietly and the women do the same. Being introduced to my boyfriend's African-Amercian family was a culture shock because they are very different. Everyone is loud and open, dancing, sharing their lives and talking about whatever they please. The first time I visited they thought I was rude because I was so quiet but that is just how I was brought up. Women arent supposed to be so loud. Fortunately, I realized quickly the kind of amazing atmosphere I was in and was able to open up quickly. I love them because they communicate a lot more than my family, not just verbally. I feel more of myself with people not in my bloodline.
ReplyDeleteI have another Mexican cultural reference that is broken down between the differences between Mexican-Americans and Mexican nationals. Recently my mother told me about an instance where the minister in her bi-lingual church, a Mexican national, had a habit of greeting with a kiss. My mom classifies herself a Mexican-American, so she is comfortable with “hug” greetings, but kiss greetings never felt proper to her. What she found interesting was when talking about it with other church members; many of the older generation had no issue with it. Actually, many of them found it to be a very positive thing. However, many of the younger members of the church shared her discomfort. Fortunately, the issue was handled gracefully and the minister completely understood, and adjusted his greeting. I just found it interesting how traditions can change and adjust from generation to generation.
ReplyDeleteWhen in England, I found that people are really withdrawn and don't even really like to shake hands unless they know you very well... those standoffish English! ~Jerrie
ReplyDeleteWhile in Spain people just touch each other a lot more in general so when I came back state side I had to adjust because I kept having friends that were girls get the wrong message and want to hook up. Which wasn't t bad if they weren't beat up looking or I was really drunk.
ReplyDeleteIn class this week we started talking about non verbal communication. I know when I was in Iraq there were cretin gesters that we were told were offensive to the Iraqis and back in America it was an every day gesture, but I have forgotten what they were. I can remember when I fisrt started going out in San Antonio every time I would talk to somebody they would stand too close to me so I would back up and one day this salsperson keep closing the gap. In the Midwest we like our personal space in the south its a litter closer than Iwas used to. I have ajusted somewhat to this culture but it still makes me alittle umcomfortable at times.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I am so sheltered that I have not
ReplyDeletehad the pleasure of making a fool of myself in front of other cultures.
One thing I did see on a cartoon though was this cat who was ambushed by Native Americans.
The cat said "How....do you do?"
and the Natives took him away since it was insulting.