HUE UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
*****
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION 1
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION AND SOME DIFFERENCES IN NON-
VERBA COMMUNICATION OF VIET NAM AND THE UNITED STATES
GROUP: 4 (8)
MEMBERS' NAME:
- Nguyễn Thị Thanh Minh - 20F7510863
- Trần Phương Thúy - 20F7511177
- Nguyễn Thị Trà My - 20F7510873
- Huỳnh Thị Thùy Linh - 20F7510815
TABLES OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER II: BODY
1. Definition of intercultural communication
1.1. Culture
1.2. Communication
2. Definition of intercultural communication
3. Some differences in Non-verbal communication of Vietnam and The United States
3.1. Gestures
3.2. General Appearance and Dress
3.3. Posture
3.4. Facial Expressions
3.5. Eye contacts and Gaze
3.6. Touch
CHAPTER III: CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
I. INTRODUCTION
II. BODY
2.1 Why is non-verbal communication important
Nonverbal communication has been a part of human society throughout history.
There are many ways to communicate nonverbally through a person's body language as
well as the individual's facial expressions. This can be a very effective way to tell
someone how you feel and to understand other people's feelings.Communication is
important. This can be a very effective way to tell someone how you feel and to
understand other people's feelings.It has the following functions
a. Nonverbal communication equals more information
People can convey more information by nonverbal communication than by verbal
communication. When an individual is conversing with another, they can convey feelings
as well as other information that translation might not convey without those simple clues
to the other person. According to the Mehrabian ratio "7-38-55", 7% of our
communication is linked to verbal expression, 38% of the message consists of a vocal
component, and the remaining 55% of the message is supported by facial (non-verbal)
expressions (Amsel, 2019).The use of a simple smile or other facial expression can tell an
individual a lot about the person they are talking to as well as give more meaning to what
the individual is saying. Often, individuals will express messages through what they do
with their bodies as well as the way they sound or even smell.
The tone of voice used can tell us a lot about another person. Words can have many
different meanings, depending on how they are said. Listeners will be able to tell if a
person is angry, happy or worried by their voice
People with high voices give the impression that they are nervous, immature, lacking
confidence or even a little emotional. On the other hand, low-pitched people sound
confident, calm, and competent. When the speaker speaks slowly, the listener assumes
that he is choosing his words carefully.
b. Increased reliability
When a person is having a conversation, it is more difficult for them to control their
nonverbal communication than they are to say verbally. The notion that lies are
transparent and can be detected through nonverbal behavior dates back a long time. As
early as 900 BC, it was claimed that liars shiver and engage in fidgeting behaviors
(Trovillo 1939a) . Americans have some beliefs about liars. They share beliefs about how
liars act. In one study (Zuckerman, Koestner, & Driver, 1981), Americans linked
cheating with 18 different behaviors, reporting that liars avoid staring, touching
themselves, or moving tables legs and shins, change positions, shrug your shoulders, and
speak quickly.When an individual is not telling the truth about a situation, there can be
many nonverbal communication signals that indicate deception such as acting nervous,
dry mouth or even the body is stressed. Famously, Freud (1959, p. 94) wrote: “He who
has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If
his lips are silent, he chatters with his finger-tips; betrayal oozes out of him at every
pore.”
In addition,In most cases (about 55% of cases)(Mehrabian. 1967) , facial expressions
are a nonverbal expression of emotion and can be considered concrete evidence to
determine whether an individual is telling the truth or not .
c. Emphasize
The ability to use nonverbal cues also helps to emphasize verbal communication
because speech inflections express the true meaning of particular words. A person's
ability to express themselves in nonverbal language gives them the ability to regulate
interactions, thus creating a clear flow of information. In an ongoing telephone
conversation, you can tell certain things about the person by varying the tone of voice
and pitch, LaBov (1966) observed that people intentionally adjust their speech to match
the speech patterns of the class of people they aspire to be a part of .
The speaker is communicating verbally and using non-verbal visual aids to help
listeners understand more effectively. Incorporating nonverbal communication in an
individual or group conversation provides greater clarity and understanding. Creating
Culture Whether a culture is created within a family or a corporation, it is nonverbal
communication that is responsible for it. In every relationship and group, there are certain
norms and expectations that are not communicated verbally. ‘Senders’ unique identities
can be communicated via a number of nonverbal channels, including their gait
(Takemura et al. 2018), the iris of the eye (Sibai et al. 2011) , and body odor (Rodriguez-
Lujan et al. 2013).
We have the proverb “Action speaks louder than word”. A hand sign, twinkling eyes, a
nod when explaining one's concerns are some examples where healthcare providers show
their empathy and compassion. through nonverbal communication. It is defined as the
way people communicate without words through appearance, gestures or voice.
3. Some different is nonverbal non-verbal communication between Vietnam and The
United States.
3.1. Gesture
“Gesture” is no longer an effective term, in part because it is often taken to refer to
nonverbal communication, paralinguistic behaviors that are considered to be outside of
language. (Kendon2008)
A body gesture is a movement made with the limbs, especially the hands, to express,
confirm, emphasize, or support the attitude or intentions of the speaker.In each place, the
gesture of the finger will have a huge difference in meaning.
a. Shake hands
In USA
In the United States, people often squeeze and shake hands to show confidence. and
often shake hands rather than fingers to show friendliness. A loose handshake can be seen
as uncertain, lack of confidence. It is rare to see Americans use both hands to shake
hands. Occasionally you can see men and women or women and women greeting each
other by hugging, and even rubbing their cheeks together or kissing each other lightly on
the cheeks. This form of greeting is usually only for people who have been friends for a
long time, or at least have known each other.
In Vietnam
Vietnam often shake hands or bow slightly. The handshaker must be proactive,
decisive, do not hold too tightly, do not squeeze too hard, do not shake too much, do not
hold for too long
c.V
In USA
One of the most prominent uses of the V sign in modern times can be attributed to the
British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, who popularized the gesture as a symbol of
victory during the World War II. By 1941, the British Broadcasting Corporation had
launched the "V for Victory" campaign to promote its use and the spirit of resistance in
German-occupied territories.
In Vietnam
Most of the people just use V sign in photographs and it means say hi or hello
d. Cross finger
In USA
The first gesture is finger cross. A hand gesture in it middle finger of either the hand is
crossed tip of the index finger of same hand. Much western culture makes this gesture
when wishing good luck. Gestures are often used to pray to God to protect, as well as
wish for the good lucky. On Cambridge dictionary, the diom of Keep your finger crossed
means to hope things will happen in the way you want them to.
In Vietnam, people avoid coming cross fingers in everyday interactions with others
because it is an obscenity gestures, especially when performed while look at or address
others.Crossed fingers are said to resemble female genital.
3.2. General Appearance and Dress
Appearance and Dress are considered to be an aspect of nonverbal communication and
have social significance for the audience. People are judged by their appearance. Outfits
also include things that people wear such as jewelry, ties, bags, hats, and glasses. Your
clothing style can reflect your culture, mood, confidence level, interests, age, authority,
values, and gender identity.
All cultures are concerned about how they look and make judgments based on looks
and dress.
Example: Americans appear almost obsessed with dress and personal attractiveness.
However, there is a similarity in costumes between Americans and Vietnamese. During
the wedding, they dress brightly and bless the bride and groom. And, they often wear
dark or black clothes at funerals to show respect and sympathy for family members.
3.3. Posture
A person’s posture is an important part of their nonverbal behavior. Posture is the
study of the body orientation, arm position, body openness, and forward or backward
leaning of the body toward the other. Posture can indicate mood, status, ethnic and
cultural affiliation, sexual differences, self-perception, attention or involvement, and
intimacy (Berko et al., 2010).
Posture can also reveal a lot about the value system of a particular culture.
For example:
Bowing: American people do not make their bow to their partner because in American
culture bowing is a sign of submission, the admission that another person is superior to
you. But in contrast Vietnamese young people usually make their bow to older people
when greeting and expressing respect to old people.
3.4. Facial Expressions
The human face is extremely expressive, able to convey countless emotions without
saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions
are universal. Facial expressions of emotions play an important role in the process of
communication because they tell others how interested and involved. We are and they
indicate whether our reactions are spontaneous or deliberate (Ekman and Friesen, 167)
The smile is yet another example of a facial expression which can carry different
meanings. In the United States, a smile carries a positive meaning; it indicates joy and
happiness and is often used as a greeting.
In Southeast Asian cultures, smiles are often used to cover up emotional pain or
embarrassment. Vietnamese people can tell a sad story but end the story with a smile.
(p.36 giáo trình)
3.5. Eye Contact
In the US:
Eye contact indicates: the degree of attention or interest, influences attitude change or
persuasion, regulates interaction, communicates emotion, defines power and status, and
has a central role in managing impressions of others.
In the United States, making eye contact is interpreted as showing interest, paying
attention, and a sign of self-confidence. Unless the situation itself is confrontational in
nature, it is generally acceptable for children, adults, and people of both sexes to make
eye contact with other people. American children are taught to look others directly in the
eyes meaning when greeting and conversing. If not, means shyness or weakness.
In the United States, making eye contact is not only seen as appropriate but is
necessary for establishing yourself as a powerful business professional. African-
Americans use more eye contact when talking and less when listening with the reverse
true for Anglo Americans. This is a possible cause for some sense of unease between
races in the US. A prolonged gaze is often seen as a sign of sexual interest.
In Viet Nam:
To show respect to the elderly, people often avoid direct eye contact. Making eye
contact with someone of higher status means being rude. It is respectful to defer eye
contact away from those who are of the opposite gender, a higher status or older than
you. However, direct eye contact is held and expected with one’s peers. The proper
respectful behaviour is to avoid eye contact in talking who is not an equal or the same
sex.
Direct eye contact and staring are uncommon in those areas accustomed to foreign
visitors. However, in smaller communities, visitors may be the subject of much curiosity
and therefore you may notice some stares. But when speaking face to face to a person,
you should use direct eyes to show your respect and truthfulness.
3.6. Touch
Each culture has a clear concept of what parts of the body one may not touch. The
basic message of touch is to affect or control protect, support, or disapprove (i.e. hug,
kiss, hit, kick).
In The US:
Touching another person is a key aspect of nonverbal communication. “Americans
don’t really like physical touch outside of their family and close relationships. However,
cities that are more internationally exposed may adopt more physical contact in their
behaviour. Touching someone of the other gender – especially at work – can be
misconstrued as sexual harassment”. (Idris & Muftia, 2021, p.527)
Handshake is common (even for strangers) in the U.S. Shake hands is a polite way to
greet. At an early age, they are taught to do so with a firm, solid grip When greeting one
another.
Giving hugs, and kisses to members of the family or relatives or friends is on an
increasingly more intimate basis. In the United States, colleagues do not normally shake
hands again if they see each other again later in the day. Once a certain level of
familiarity and closeness is reached, US American colleagues will likely not even shake
hands daily unless engaging in some more formal interaction.
Native Hawaiians hug and exchange breaths in a custom called "aha."
Most African Americans touch on greeting but are annoyed if touched on the head
(good boy, good girl overtones).
Americans see that is very weird if people of the same sex hold hands in public places.
Personal space becomes much larger; people are not as comfortable when others stand
close to them, especially if they are not very well acquainted.
In Viet Nam:
In Vietnam, it is not appropriate to touch strangers unless it is unavoidable.
Touching one's head means impolite but with children that action express encourages
them. It is offensive to touch another person’s head or pass something over it. But a
special reason is Asians' thought the Head houses the soul and a touch puts it in jeopardy.
Hugging and kissing when greeting is uncommon. People also generally don’t hug one
another or show any physical affection to the opposite gender in public. Especially, in
public, it's unacceptable to display affection such as a kiss or hug or any action that is too
affectionate.
People of the same sex may be seen holding hands in public places, which is simply a
gesture of friendship.
If 2 people meet for the first time they keep the distance not too far but not so close.
But when two people are friends or relatives, they stand close or touch to each other.
III. CONCLUSION
To sum up, As the global village continues to shrink and cultures collide, it is essential
for all of us to become more sensitive, more aware, and more observant of the myriad
motions, gestures, and body language that surround us each day. And as many of us cross
over cultural borders, it would be fitting for us to respect, learn, and understand more
about the effective, y powerful "silent language" of body language.
Moreover, non-verbal communication is more important than verbal communication
in many situations. So, its importance is situational and contextual but without it
communication is incomplete. Sometimes, non-verbal communication can stand alone
and gives out important messages.
References
