Dimensions of Intercultural

Nonverbal Communication

Dimension One Extreme The Other Extreme

1. CONTEXT1 Low Context High Context

Core Value Freedom of speech, directness Silence, indirectness
Nonverbal Traits Literal meaning, specific Information in the physical context,
details, precise time schedules or internalized in the person
Typical Cultures Swiss, German, North American. China, Japan, Korea

2. IDENTITY2 Individualism Collectivism

Core Value Individual freedom Group harmony
Nonverbal Traits Proximally distant, different Proximally close, coordinated
schedules, expressive of facial expressions and body
emotions movements
Typical Cultures U. S., Australia, Great Britain. Venezuela, Colombia, Pakistan

3. POWER DISTANCE3 Low Power Distance High Power Distance

Core Value People’s equality
Nonverbal Traits Located at high latitudes,
more tactile, relaxing and
clear vocalic cues
Typical Cultures Austria, Israel, Denmark
Respect for status
Located near the equator,
untouchable, regulated
nonverbal displays
Philippines, Mexico, Venezuela

4. GENDER4 Femininity Masculinity

Core Value Caring for others Material success
Nonverbal Traits Relaxed and coordinated High level of stress, loud,
vocal patterns, nurturing aggressive
Typical Cultures Sweden, Norway, Netherlands. Japan, Austria, Venezuela

5. UNCERTAINTY5 Uncertainty Avoidance Uncertainty Tolerance

Core Value Certainty, what is different
is dangerous
Nonverbal Traits More emotional displays,
higher level of anxiety
Typical Cultures Greece, Portugal, Belgium
Exploration, what is different
causes curiosity
More positive and friendly
to strangers
Singapore, Denmark, Sweden

6. IMMEDIACY6 Low Contact High Contact

Core Value Certainty, what is different
is dangerous
Nonverbal Traits Located in cooler climates,
stand apart and touch less,
stay “cool”
Typical Cultures Japan, China, Korea
Exploration, what is different
causes curiosity
Located in warmer countries nearer
the equator, stand closer together
and touch more, expressive
North Africa, France, Brazil
 p. 2

1. CONTEXT1
The degree to which communication is explicit and verbal or implicit and nonverbal.

2. IDENTITY2
The degree that society reinforces individual or collective achievement and interpersonal
relationships.

3. POWER DISTANCE3
The degree of equality or inequality between people in the country or society.

4. GENDER4
The degree of traditional gender role of achievement, control, and power.

5. UNCERTAINTY5
The degree of avoidance or tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity within the society.

6. IMMEDIACY6
The degree of closeness, intimacy, and availability for communication.

Andersen, Peter A. & Wang, Hua (2009). Beyond Language: Nonverbal Communication Across
Cultures. In Larry A. Samovar, Richard E. Porter, Edwin R. McDaniel (Eds.), Intercultural
Communication: A Reader (12th Edition). Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, pp. 264-281.

Summary Compilation by Ron Compton

Intercultural Communication
McHenry County College