5.4 Activities and Applications
From theory to practice…
Here are some considerations in respect to nonverbal communication in intercultural encounters:
- Be cautious in making assumptions based on nonverbal actions. The same gestures may have quite different meanings in different cultures. We often tend to assume body language and gestures are universal, but that is not the case.
- Try to understand the cultural values attached to nonverbal conventions. In following the technique of “thick descriptions” of cultural phenomena, try to penetrate beneath the surface of the behavior. Consider as well whether the behavior may be personal and idiosyncratic, rather than cultural and typical.
- Watch and imitate as appropriate. In some cases, adopting the different nonverbal behavior might be easy and straightforward, for example, bowing in Japan. In other cases, divergence might be more appropriate, for example, refraining from kneeling along with Muslims in prayer services.
For discussion and reflection…
- Using nonverbal communication
After watching the TED videos by Amy Cuddy and Ron Gutman, address the followingIn your view, what effect do nonverbal actions and behaviors, like smiling or body posture, have on relating with others? Are they important in work spaces, school, or family environments? What are, in your opinion the most effective nonverbal strategies in being effective in communicating, or being successful in work or school? Discuss any experiences you have had in this area. - Violating non-verbal norms and conventions
Using the “Non-verbal expectancy violation model” (see the section of the text with this title), describe some cultural or intercultural violation you have experienced or witnessed (as the one who violated others’ expectations, or as the one whose expectations were violated).Does the violation bring “arousal”?How does the person perceiving the violation evaluate the action? The communicator? What is the person’s response? What factors might lead to a positive or negative response to a violation? What are the strengths and limitations of the theory? - Appearance and assumptions
After reading the Salbi essay and watching the talk by Abdel-Magied..
Salbi and Abdel-Magied give examples of assumptions made about women wearing headscarves. What other clothing items or style of dress may lead to automatic judgments about the wearer? How about perceptions of those with significant body modifications (tattoos, piercings)? What role, if any, do perceptions vary based on age, gender, national origin, or other factors?
- Images and emotions in electronic communication
After watching the talks by el Kaliouby and Uglow..
What’s your take on “emotionally intelligent technology”? The Apple Watch allows users to “share an intimate moment with a close friend or family member by sending them your heartbeat”; would you want to go further and send “emotion streams” from a smartwatch or other device? How important are images (photos and videos) in how you currently communicate electronically? To what extent can images (or emoji?) play the role of sharing emotions? Can you imagine additional kinds of media or devices beyond those described by Uglow that would allows us to access information and potentially also feelings?
