Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give examples of some of the nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries? If you have moved around within this country, have you ever encountered regional differences in nonverbal meaning?
At my community college I remember watching a movie about non-verbal messages. It showed all kinds of non-verbal messages from all over the world in different cultures. For, example, the thumbs up in
It’s interesting how something can mean something in one culture, but means something so drastically different in another! I wonder how someone figured out that the American “thumbs up” gesture meant “up yours!” in Iranian culture—I can’t imagine that turning out well! I also wonder how many other common American nonverbal gestures mean something offensive in another culture. I completely agree with you that there are a lot of similar messages that can be displayed very differently in different culture around the world. For example, a kiss on each cheek in Italian culture can be synonymous with hugging in American culture.
ReplyDeleteI also made some similar comparisons in my post about how some of the things we do like pointing with our index finger can mean something entirely different and disrespectful in another culture. I think that we need to do our research on customs and practices in different countries before visiting. I'd hate to try to make a baby laugh in Japan- and them think I am angry with the baby! I feel that by reading all the different posts I am, in fact, learning about customs and practices in different cultures. Although I still haven't seen anything about regional differences...
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