Nonverbal Communication

How communication works

  

 See also The relational content of communication  -  Nonverbal Cultural Issues

 

Nonverbal Communication

            Not all communication is either verbal or intentional. People, groups, and even organizations sometimes send messages that they are unaware of. Sometimes those unintentional messages can, unknowingly, be diametrically opposed to the ones they are trying to communicate.

            In this module, we will look at nonverbal communication. This includes body language, gestures, tone of voice, dress, personal space, touch, possessions, and the office environment. Nonverbal communication can be as subtle as a slight pause before saying a specific word, the way it is pronounced, or the expression we make—or do not make— when we say it.

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3.      Translating the Code

            Communication is code. We use words and symbols to represent our real meaning. As we all know, the only word for bread is not bread. It means bread, but only in English. In Italian its pane, French pain, Spanish pan, Romanian paine, and German brot.  And in English it might also mean money rather than something to eat. Nonverbal code can also vary from country to country, culture to culture, even region to region. As with language, sometimes the code is so similar we can figure out the message, and sometimes it is so different we have no idea what the message is.

            We know languages differ from country to country. We sometimes assume nonverbal codes are universal. They aren’t. Certain gestures, called emblems, have meaning. But just as words differ from culture to culture, so do emblems.

•             The “thumbs up” gesture means, “Good luck!” in the U.S. and Britain. In ancient Rome, it also signaled that a gladiator’s life should be spared because he fought well in the Coliseum.    In Iran and other parts of the Middle East, however, it means something obscene.

•             Putting your hands on the sides of your head and sticking your index fingers up on each side like a rabbit’s ears might mean you are imitating a bunny for a children’s story in the West.      In Japan it means: “I am angry,” or “You are evil.”

            The lack of universality of a gesture has caused many a problem for people trying to communicate, especially when they are unaware of regional, cultural or other nuances that the gesture can connote.

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4.      Classifying the Code

   Nonverbal communication researchers Paul Eckman and Wallace Friesen say that there are three primary types of communication codes:

1. Intrinsic: This is the code creatures are born with; the way animals intrinsically know how to communicate with others of their species. Most animals spend their entire life operating within the confines of intrinsic code. When they are born, they know how to signal that they are hungry. It lets them make friends, mate, raise their offspring, cooperate with others in their group, find and establish their place in the pecking order, and protect themselves and their group from enemies.

2. Iconic: Symbols and gestures are used to communicate with others. We see this behaviour with monkeys and apes. It is the way animals show they are hungry, or angry, or interested in mating. It is also used to deceive. Certain birds and animals will pretend to be lame to lead possible predators away from their nests. Researches have seen how some young, male elephant seals will act like females so they can enter an established harem and breed with the females there.

3. Arbitrary: These are learned symbols or gestures. While humans are believed to be the only species that can create arbitrary code, other species can learn to use it. A number of animals have learned sign language. A chimpanzee named Washoe and a gorilla named Koko have been written about in academic journals and the popular press because of their ability to communicate in sign.

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5.      Cues and Clues

            Psychologist Albert Mehrabian has identified three ways to interpret nonverbal communication—immediacy, arousal, and dominance. Let’s look at them.

            In many ways, the easiest way to see them is to watch young children. They haven’t yet learned how to conceal either their emotions or their feelings. They give us an honest reaction to the world and people around them:

1. Immediacy: These cues communicate our likes and dislikes, even the degree of each. We tend to move closer to people and things we like, and pull back or shy away from those we’d rather avoid, or that upset us. Watch children react to toys, pets, their parents, or a favourite teacher or friend. Then watch how they react to a threatening situation—like a dog—or an unfriendly adult.

2. Arousal: This shows how interested we really are. We are animated in voice, expression, and gestures when we are interested in someone or something. When bored, however, it’s just the opposite. Our voice becomes flat, our expression blank, and our gestures tend to disappear. Listen to children talk about the games they are playing, their toys, or a favourite movie. Then ask them to talk about bedtime, eating vegetables, or having to do chores.

3. Dominance: This is how we show—and acknowledge—rank and position. The way we stand, talk, and move shows what we perceive our status to and relationship with the person or people we are talking to. Watch how children gather around their favourite teachers, parents, or those children who are natural leaders. Watch them as they deal with older children, and with younger ones.

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