2). 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?
It is quite remarkable how simple gestures can be mistook or perceived to mean something else in certain cultures.
For instance, eye contact for prolonged periods of time in a conversation can mean disrespect in some Asian cultures, while it means confidence and attentiveness in ours. In fact, you may fail a job interview if you cannot keep proper eye contact with your interviewer! I wonder if the consequences are the same in Asian cultures if their eye contact norm is violated.
Also, giving the “thumbs up” sign is meant to mean “good job” or “well done” in American culture. You can most likely find a poster or t-shirt with this symbol on it and it is understood to mean a positive thing. Then if you were to go to Iraq and throw this gesture around it would be the same as “flipping the bird”.
I have yet to find out where our version of the “bird” means “good luck” or “well done!” in another culture.
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Hodgepodge, I thought that your post was very insightful. I wonder what it would be like to interview with a company in Asia, being from America. I wonder if making eye contact would offend them,or whether they would understand our nonverbal messages. I also thought it was interesting that you brought up that in Iraq the thumbs up meant that you were flipping someone the bird. I wonder how the people of Iraq feel when they see one of our soldiers using the symbol to each other to say good job, or I've got it. I think that it is interesting to find different ways to communicate non verbally in different cultures!
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