Nonverbal communication around the world

Nonverbal communication is extremely important in our life because only 7% to 35% of communication is verbal. The majority of our feelings and intentions are expressed with the help of nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is the way of communication by sending and receiving signals with the help of body language, gestures, postures, proximity, haptics, and facial expressions, even clothing and dancing.

Moreover we tend to search for signals when verbal messages are unclear or ambiguous. Some signals are consistent across cultures. To a certain degree this is good news; if you do not speak a foreign language, you can still communicate with people of another country by using body language and facial expressions. I also use some kind of nonverbal signals especially, facial expressions and hand moving when I speak with people of another country, because it helps me to express emotions and interpersonal attitude. Thus, people of another country fully understand my speech.

However, even if you do speak the local language and are able to communicate with the local people you might still be puzzled by the use of body language and facial expressions at your destination country.Why? Because nonverbal communication has also cultural meanings and is being interpreted according to the cultural context it occurs. Cultural norms regarding kinesics vary considerably between countries; if you are not familiar with the local body language you might be misunderstood, and sometimes misinterpret the local nonverbal signals. This can certainly lead to embarrassing and uncomfortable situations. So, before relocating overseas it is recommended to obtain as much information as you can about the nonverbal communication codes that are customary at your destination country. Understanding body language of the destination country and interpreting body language correctly will not only assist you to avoid unpleasant situation but will grant you respect from the locals.

Below there are examples of kinesics codes that are being used around the world:

Imagine that you are in Argentina and you have showed “OK” or “THUMBS UP” and Argentine people looked you surprisingly, because the “O.K.” and “thumbs up” gestures are considered vulgar. In Turkey it means homosexual and is considered a big insult.

In Cambodia you tried to shake the hand in greeting and they showed you their palms, maybe you will think that they mocked at you, but it is normal. Cambodians greet each other by placing their hands, palms together, near their faces and bow slightly. This is called Som Pas.

What about body language in Japan? In Japan eye contact shows that you are being aggressive, and rude. It is normal in Japan to avoid eye contact as it shows respect. That is why, we must be overcautious with eye contact. Pointing with the index finger is considered rude. Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement. Most Japanese maintain impassive expression when speaking. Japanese find it hard to say 'no'. The best solution is to phrase questions so that they can answer “yes”.

This year in Astana, in the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, there was an educational exhibition of foreign universities and colleges. I took part in this exhibition as the translator of representatives from American University of Sharjah which is situated in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and I could not lose the chance to use my theoretical knowledge on practice. I looked through the information about greeting and gestures before hand, and in communication with Arabic people I tried to keep all these manners. For example, placing hands on the heart shows genuine respect and humility. Sometimes, this is used in combination with a small bow, meaning thank you. Scratching or holding of a chin or beard is an indication that someone is thinking. It might be wise to wait until the person has finished thinking before continuing talking. Friends' kissing each other on the cheek is a sign of friendship, and it is common amongst male friends. Shaking hand is the normal greeting with a male. Females do shake hands with each other, and occasionally a kiss is shared. Males should not shake hand with a female unless the hand is offered by a female. And I also didn’t offer my hand in first greeting, because the representatives are males. Touching noses three times when shaking hands is a traditional Bedouin greeting. Holding hands for a long period after shaking hands is a sign of friendship, a hug is an indication that you are considered a trustworthy friend. A refusal to touch may suggest that you are believed to be untrustworthy or unclean. If an Arab bites their right finger, it is a sign of contempt and that you are not liked. If a semi clenched hand is placed in front of the stomach, it means that you are thought to be a liar. Placing finger on the nose, beard or head means that it is the intention of the person to undertake what you are talking about. Putting all fingers and thumbs together (like a cup) means; 'Wait just one minute' or 'slow down'. If the fingers of the left hand are clasped together and touched with the right forefinger, this is the equivalent of giving someone the finger in the West. A clawing action with the right hand is usually indicative of a beckoning to move closer or to come into a room. Never beckon anyone with one finger pointing up the sole of the foot is dirty - never point the sole of your foot in the direction of an Arab. When offered something to drink, always say yes. Saying no would mean rejecting someone's hospitality. Keeping all these rules will help us make successful conversation with representatives.

During the dinner we should try to give enough information about our country and our manners too because they must be interested in them. We must point out that people of Kazakhstan as well as other country’s people use nonverbal communication every day. When girls greet each other they give kiss on the cheek, but men use a handshaking. Eye contact is important when shaking someone’s hand. Hugging, kissing and touching are usually reserved for family members and very close friends. Stand while being introduced. Only the elderly, the ill and physically unable persons remain seated while greeting or being introduced. Keep your distance when conversing. Kazakh people are generally uncomfortable with same-sex touching, especially between males. I hope that this information will serve as the helpful assistant in nonverbal communication with people from other countries to avoid misunderstandings and to improve intercultural competence.