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Name : Rezah Yusniaroh

NPM : 1188203075
Class/Smt : A2/5

CHAPTER 2
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

In communication, not only emphasized on verbal and written language but also consider
communication that takes place without words that called nonverbal communication. In some
types of communication people prefer to express nonverbally than verbally. For example, if you
ask an obviously depressed person, Whats wrong?, and he answers, Nothing, Im fine, you
probably wont believe him. When an angry person says, Lets forget this subject, I dont know
want to it anymore! you know that he hasnt stopped communicating. His silence and
withdrawal continue to convey emotional meaning.
1. Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication expresses meaning or feeling without words. It more
complicated and confused than verbal communication. Universal emotions, such as happiness,
fear, and sadness, are expressed in a similar nonverbal way throughout the world. However,
nonverbal differences across cultures makes difficult to understand for foreigners. For example,
it may be acceptable in some countries for men to embrace each other and for women to hold
hands; in other countries these displays of affection may be shocking. So, what is acceptable in
one culture doesnt mean acceptable in other cultures. It depends on the culture influences
toward the language.
2. Gestures
Gestures refer to specific body movements that carry meaning. Hands can from shapes
that convey many meanings: Thats expensive, Come here, Go away, and Its OK can
be expressed nonverbally using only hands. But not all gestures are common for each culture.
For example, the OK gesture in the American culture is a symbol for money in Japan. Foreign
visitors who travelling to another country, they will learn some gestures in the country that they
visited, because not all gestures are universal.
3. Facial Expression
Facial expressions are another nonverbal expression that carries meanings determined by
contexts and relationships. For instance, the smile which is typically an expression of pleasure
has many functions. A smile may show affection, convey politeness or disguise true feelings.
Pain is conveyed by a grimace, which also signifies disgust or disapproval. Surprise, shock, or
disbelieve can be shown by raising the eyebrows. A wink given to a friend may mean You and I
have a secret or Im just kidding. Between a man and a woman, a wink can be flirtatious. Our
faces easily reveal emotions and attitudes.
The degree of facial expressiveness also varies among individuals and cultures. There are
no fixed rules, although it is considered negative or suspicious to have a deadpan expression or
a poker face. Some people can be read like a book; others are difficult to read.
4. Eye Contact
Eye contact is important because sufficient or excessive eye contact may create
communication barriers. In relationships it serves to show intimacy, attention, and influence.
Same with facial expression, there are no fixed rules in eye contact. In conversation too little eye
contact may be seen negatively because it conveys lack of interest, inattention, or even mistrust.
The relationship between mistrust and lack of eye contact is stated directly in the expression
Never trust a person who cant look you in the eyes.
5. Space
Unconsciously, we all carry with us what have been called body bubbles. These
bubbles are like invisible walls which define our personal space. Space can change depending on
the relationship. Space with our family must be closer, but with other may be not. Cultural styles
are important. For the example, a Japanese-employer and employee usually stand farther apart
while talking than their American counterparts. Latin Americans and Arabs tends to stand closer
together than American talking.

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