Body Language in Cross Culture Communications

Mannerisms and Awareness

 One crucial part communication that is often overlooked is nonverbal communications. Research shows that gestures and eye contact are the two different areas that are used in different manners throughout many cultures. Therefore it is important for companies and prospective employee to practice correct way to handle nonverbal communication as to not offend other cultures. For instance, here in America we often wave with our hand and point with our finger at people or things we want. Other culture may find those gestures to be rude and offensive. In a culture such as Japan, finger to point towards another person because that gesture is considered rude is substituted with  gesture with an open hand, with palm facing up, toward the person.

Eye contact is another nonverbal communication that could be utilized differently throughout business cultures. In America eye contact is used to demonstrate honesty and straightforwardness. Nonetheless, in Middle Eastern and part of Asia, extended duration of eye contact can be looked at as rude or aggressive in various settings. Also in terms of gender, nonverbal communication in here in the states is pretty liberal and women are able to enjoy the same liberties as men in the business world. Yet, in other culture women may need to avoid eye contact altogether because lingering eye contact can be viewed as a sign of sexual interest. Understanding this aspect of intercultural communication will be observing the two of the "Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communications"::

 VII. Be aware of body language: learn the basic differences in the way people supplement their words with body movement;

VIII. Be aware of different etiquette rules or manners: what is polite in one culture may be considered rude in another;

Understanding these principles are valuable in communication, because it is the one  presentation in communication that has proved relevant through every technological innovation


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