Body Language
February 16th, 2011Author: maureen
Body language is an important part of communication which, according to at least one study, constitutes around 55% of what we are communicating. If you wish to communicate well, then it makes sense to understand how you can (and can’t) use your body to say what you mean.
But not all body language means the same thing in different countries. Take China and America for example, “stamping foot” in China, means one’s anger, while in America it means impatience. “Clapping hands” never happens to an American speaker, because it’s considered immodest in his own country. In China, however, it suggests the speaker’s appreciation and means “thank you”. “Staring at people” is thought as impoliteness in America. It may make people feel uneasy. But Chinese people may think it is nothing more than curiosity. These examples may show the differences of body language.
Because of special culture influences some counties, somebody languages should attract our attention. In Turkey, putting one’s hand in one’s pockets is a sign of disrespect. In some Asian countries, you must not touch the head of another person. And in China, people don’t kiss or hug each other, except his/her lover. For an Arab, it is a good manner to stand close to his friend when they are talking, but for English people, they don’t like to be close to one another. And in parts of Asia, you must not sit with your foot pointing at another person.
All above show that it is important to know the meaning of gestures and movements in foreign country, foreigners should follow these customs should learn their culture. So we can communicate with them in a correct way, not only by words, but also by body language. I think that it is important in our lives to show and learn body language.