INTERCULTUR

AL
NONVERBAL
COMMUNICAT
ION
Professor: Dr. Nguyen Hoa
 OUR TEAM

NGUYEN PHUONG
NGUYEN TRAN Dinh Thi TRINH
DIEP LINH Thanh Tu
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1
INTRODUCTI 2
FUNCTIONS OF 3
FORMS OF
ON NONVERBAL NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATI COMMUNICATIO
ON N
4
TYPES OF 5 Q6& A
NONVERBAL ARTICLE SECTION
COMMUNICATI ANALYSIS
ON
 01
INTRODUCTI
ON
WHAT IS NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION?

“Communication without words. It includes overt

behaviors such as facial expression, eyes touching
and tone of voice as well as less obvious messages
such as dress postures and spatial distance between
two or more people”
- Miller (1988)
 NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION

NONLINGUISTIC PARALINGUISTI
CUES C CUES
Nonlinguistic cues Paralinguistic cues

- eye contact - Voice

- smiles - Speed
- touch - volume
- hand gestures - tone
- Silence. - pitch
- ……… - ………
Sociocultural setting reflects the importance of our cultural
norms and expectations in evaluating appropriateness and
inappropriateness of a nonverbal message.

Example: The "Thumbs Up" Gesture

United States: In the United States, a thumbs up is a positive
gesture. It typically means "good job," "everything is okay," or "I
approve."
Middle East: In some Middle Eastern countries, a thumbs up can be
considered rude or offensive, similar to giving someone the middle
finger in Western cultures.
Japan: In Japan, the thumbs up gesture can sometimes be used to
represent the number five.
 02
FUNCTIONS OF
NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATI
ON
 2.1 Regulatory function: Nonverbal clues serve to regulate
conversational behavior in a conversation with people of different
linguistic, sociocultural etc. backgrounds

A multicultural team is having a virtual meeting. Members come from

different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- When Maria, from Spain, finishes her point, she pauses and looks at
John, from the US, indicating it's his turn to speak.
- During John's explanation, Li Wei from China nods slightly to show
understanding and encourage John to continue.
- John notices Li Wei raising an eyebrow, signaling that she has a
question or needs clarification
 2.2. Interpersonal function: Nonverbal communication serves to
express attitudes and emotions in interpersonal relations (also
known as 'affect displays').

E.g: Two friends, Sarah and David, had a disagreement, and Sarah inadvertently hurt David's
feelings.
Sarah approaches David with a remorseful expression on her face. She
lowers her gaze, slumps her shoulders, and extends her hand towards him in
a gesture of apology. Her facial expression and body language convey her
genuine regret and desire to mend their relationship

⇒ Sarah's nonverbal communication effectively expresses her attitude

of remorse and her desire to repair the emotional bond with David
2.3. Emblematic function: Largely the use of gestures to
convey a specific message.

Two friends, Na and Mai, are working on a group project together.

As they discuss their progress, Na gives Mai a

thumbs up gesture to convey approval and
encouragement. The thumbs up is a specific
gesture that universally signifies "good job" or
"well done" without the need for verbal
communication.
 2.4. Illustrative function: Nonverbal communication used to
indicate size, shape, distance, etc

A tourist asks a local for directions to a nearby landmark. The local points in the direction the
tourist needs to go while simultaneously spreading their arms wide to indicate the size of the
landmark. They then hold their hands apart to show the approximate distance the tourist needs
to walk.

⇒ This nonverbal communication helps the

tourist grasp the necessary information quickly
and accurately, enhancing their understanding
of the directions given.
2.5. Adaptive function: Used as a means of reassurance, self comforting; often involving
unconscious acts such as playing with hair, beard stroking, playing with a pencil or
cigarette, etc

Job interview nervousness

As Sarah sits in the waiting area, she absentmindedly
twirls her pen between her fingers, taps it lightly on her
knee, and adjusts her seating position multiple times.

⇒ Sarah's adaptive nonverbal behavior serves as a coping

mechanism to manage her anxiety during the job
interview, help her feel more comfortable and composed
as she prepares to meet the interviewer.
 03 OF
FORMS
NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATI
ON
7 FORMS OF NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION
 3.1. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
includes body type, height, weight, hair, and skin color, display artifacts, which are
ornaments or adornments that themselves communicate: jewelry, clothing, piercings,
tattoos, and other accessories that convey information about a socioeconomic status,
personality, or class
 3.2. PARALANGUAGE
This is how we say something, not what we say

● Accent: The way a person's words are pronounced, which

can reveal their geographical origin or social background.
● Pitch range: The range of tone from high to low.
● Pitch intensity: How high or low a person's voice carries.
● Volume: How loudly or softly a person speaks.
● Articulation: The precision or slurring of words.
● Rate: How quickly or slowly a person speaks. (speed)
 3.3. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

- Falls under a larger category of nonverbal communication, kinesics, or

body movement.

- These are the facial expressions accompanying emotions represented

by SADFISH: sadness, anger, disgust, fear, interest, surprise, and
happiness.

- The face is capable of producing 250,000 different expressions.

Many of these vary cross-culturally, but some can be recognized
across cultures
 3.4. GESTURE
another form of kinesics, are culturally specific
Researchers have subdivided gestures into four areas:

+ Emblems: or gestures shat substitute for words and phrases, such as raising your
shoulders for "I don't know"'
+ Illustrators: help illustrate what we are trying to say, perhaps by indicating "this big";
+ Regulators: are used to control, maintain, or "regulate" the pace and flow of
conversation, such as putting up your forefinger to indicate you're not finished
speaking
+ Adaptors: are habits or gestures that fulfill some kind of psychological need, such as
picking lint off your shirt or playing with your hair.
 3.5. HAPTICS (TOUCH)
the study of touch, and its rules vary considerably across cultures
+ High-contact cultures: Cultures in which people tend to have a lot of
physical contact with each other, such as hugging, kissing, and shaking hands.
Examples include Latin American and Mediterranean cultures.
+ Low-contact cultures: Cultures in which people tend to have less physical
contact with each other, such as standing farther apart and avoiding touching.
Examples include Northern European and Asian cultures.
+ Moderate-contact cultures: Cultures that fall somewhere in between high-
contact and low-contact cultures, such as the United State
 3.6. OCULESICS (EYE CONTACT)
powerful communication tool
- Holding eye contact can be a sign of respect, truthfulness,
attraction, attention, or domination and power

- Failure to make eye contact can similarly be an indication of

respect, fear, intimidation, lack of interest, and more

⇒ For example, in most Western cultures, it's considered appropriate

behavior to look someone in the eye during a conversation, and to
comfortably hold that gaze with the other person. In fact, failing to make eye
contact often raises suspicion about ulterior motives.
In many Eastern cultures: making and maintaining eye contact can indicate
disrespect when it involves people of different positions along the social
hierarchy
 3.7. PROXEMICS (BOUND REGULATION)

Some cultures are comfortable speaking at a distance of 12-18 inches with non-
intimate others while other cultures need at least 2 feet, and others still require as
much as 5-6 feet of distance when speaking with a non intimate conversation partner.

⇒ These differences can create

discomfort and confusion when you
accidentally violate someone's space
 4
Types of nonverbal communication

Presenter: Đinh Thị Thanh Tú

 4.1
Interpersonal Spatial Boundary
Regulation
 4.1 Interpersonal Spatial Boundary
Regulation

Interpersonal spatial boundary regulation

refers to how individuals manage the physical
space between themselves and others in social
interactions. This concept is essential in
understanding personal comfort zones and the
dynamics of social interactions.
 4.1.1 PROXEMICS
Proxemics is the study of personal space or territoriality, or the way we create
and cross spaces between ourselves and others.

Personal
Public space:
space: UsedUsed for
for public
Social space: Appropriate for
Intimate
speakingspace:
interactions with
or Reserved
friends
large for
groupand
formal or professional
close relationships.
acquaintances.
interactions. It allows
It allows
It ensures thatfor
the
interactions. It provides a
for physical
personal
speaker can touch
conversations
be seen andand
while
heard
comfortable buffer zone for
by thewhispering.
maintaining somewithout
audience physical
social and business exchanges.
encroaching separation.
on personal space.
 FACTORS INFLUENCING PROXEMICS
BEHAVIOR
⮚ Cultural differences: Different cultures have varying norms regarding personal
space.
🡺 Intercultural confict can arise if norms about space and touch are not
understood. For example, if a British negotiator (high space needs, low touch
norms) meets a Saudi Arabian negotiator (low space needs, high touch norms),
the Saudi may advance ‘into’ the
British person’s zone, and that person may step
back; the Saudi may perceive this as coldness,
or as a meaningless accident, and step forward
again . . . and so on (Morris 2002; Pease 2014)
 FACTORS INFLUENCING PROXEMICS
BEHAVIOR

⮚ Gender: Men and women may have different proxemic preferences.

🡺 Studies suggest that men might require more personal space from other
men, while women might be more comfortable with closer distances,
especially with other women.

⮚ Age: Children generally have less awareness of personal space boundaries,

while adults are more conscious and respectful of them. Older adults may also
have different space preferences due to cultural upbringing and generational
norms.
 FACTORS INFLUENCING PROXEMICS
BEHAVIOR
⮚ Personality: Introverts often prefer more personal space, while extroverts may be
comfortable with closer physical proximity.
🡺 Example: Some train travellers were stressed by taking a middle seat, and
sometimes would prefer to stand rather than be in such closed quarters.
When no other options were available, commuters used standard nonverbal
behaviours of avoidance (minimal eye contact, arms crossed, bodies turned towards
side of car) (Evans and Wener 2007).

⮚ Situation: The context of the interaction, such as a formal meeting, casual

gathering, or crowded environment, can influence proxemic behavior.
 4.2.2 Territoriality
⮚ Territoriality refers to the behavior and practices associated with the control
and use of space by individuals or groups. Types and levels of privacy are
influenced by behavior patterns in the cultural context, personality, and
aspirations of individuals (Edney, 1976).
⮚ Altman (1975) divided the territory into three categories: primary, secondary,
and public territory.
 4.2.2 Territoriality
⮚ Primary Territories: an area that is owned, used exclusively, recognized by
others, is controlled permanently and becomes a major part of the daily
activities of its inhabitants. These spaces are deeply associated with the
identity and well-being of the owner, leading to strong emotional
attachment.
⮚ Examples:
+ Homes: An individual’s house or apartment is a primary territory, providing a
private and personalized space for living and family activities.
Others can not enter without the owner’s permission.
+ Bedrooms
+ Private offices
+ Personal vehicles, tables, desks,...
 4.2.2 Territoriality
⮚ Secondary Territories: an area that is not too used exclusively by a person or
group of people who have a relatively wide area coverage, periodically
controlled. These spaces have a moderate level of personal significance
and control.
⮚ Examples:
+ A specific table at a café, a particular seat in a classroom, or a preferred locker
in a gym.
+ Seating Arrangements: The way people position themselves in a room can
indicate cultural norms about territory.
• Asian Cultures: Hierarchical seating is common, where the most senior
person sits at the head of the table or in a prominent position.
• Western Cultures: Seating might be more egalitarian, but there are still
unspoken rules about personal territory.
 4.2.2 Territoriality
⮚ Publics Territories: an area that is used and can be entered by anyone but he
must comply with existing norms. These areas are not controlled by any
specific individual or group and have the lowest level of personal
significance.
⮚ Examples:
+ Parks, beaches, sidewalks, public transportation, and communal areas in
buildings.
 4.2
Environmental Boundary Regulation
 4.2 Environmental Boundary Regulation
⮚ Environmental boundaries are the space we claim and to which we
become emotionally attached along with other members of our
communities.
 Physical Environment
⮚ The physical environment encompasses the tangible, built, and
natural surroundings that influence how people are emotionally
attached to other members of our communities.

⮚ The physical environment in which we

find ourselves can itself be a powerful
mode of communication. As Winston
Churchill said, ‘We shape our
buildings; thereafter they shape us’.
 Physical Environment
Space Design and Layout:
⮚ Open and closed spaces:
✔ Closed spacesenhance
Open spaces provideinteraction
privacy, reduce distractions,and
and collaboration anda sense
create ofa
sense of security.
community

Japanese
ClassroomsTatami
with Room
distinct
🡪 encourages a communal and
boundariesatmosphere,
inclusive to create focused
with seating
arranged
learning to facilitate eye contact and
environments.
conversation.
 Physical Environment
Example: Middle-class neighborhoods in U.S and Mexico
U. S Mexico
- Place: separated from the community by - Place: houses are integrated with a
a fence, a gate, a yard, a lawn, or some central plaza, possibly containing a
combination of these. community center and a church.
- Homes: - Homes:
+ Many locks + Do not have many locks
+ Separated bedrooms, private + Family members share bedrooms and
bathrooms bathrooms
→ Individualistic qualities (symbolize an → Promote collectivistic cultures and
individual identity) group-based interaction.
 4.2.2 Physical Environment
⮚ Setting arrangement:

Rectangular tablesseating
Circular or round with a head
position signify
arrangements hierarchy and
encourage
leadership.
equality and open discussion
 Physical Environment
Furniture arrangement: The way furniture is arranged can influence
movement and interaction patterns.

Might facilitate conversation Might discourage interaction

 Physical Environment
Lighting:
⮚ Example: A North American football coach understood the value of
manipulating the environment to maximize his team’s performance: at
half-time players would rest in blue-painted rooms, but the coach
would give his last-minute pep talks in a smaller room painted in
bright colors.

Noise:
 4.3
Temporal boundary regulation
Temporal boundary regulation refers to how cultures perceive and
manage time, impacting communication, behavior, and social
interactions. The study of time use as a form of communication is called
chronemics (Ballard & Seibold 2006; Turner & Reinsch 2007).
Anthropologist Edward T Hall has made a useful distinction between ‘high
context’ and ‘low context’ cultures.
Hall provides some examples of countries from high context to low context
Applying the model
 5
ARTICLE
ANALYSIS
Presenter: Nguyễn Phương Trinh
 TITLE AND RESEARCHER
Title: Non-verbal barriers to effective intercultural communication

Researcher: F.A. Alserhan

Source: Biblioteca Digital

Repositorio Academico
 RATIONALE

● Globalization's Impact: Increased intercultural

interaction, highlighting communication challenges.
● Non-Verbal Communication: Often overlooked yet
central to conveying meaning and emotions.
● Consequences of Misinterpretation: Strained
relationships, business failures, healthcare errors, and
more.
 STUDY’S AIM

Study's aim:
● To identify the factors contributing to non-verbal
communication barriers, their types, and impact on
intercultural communication.
● To raise awareness about the importance of recognizing
and addressing these barriers.
 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

(1) What is the definition of communication?

(2) What are the non-verbal barriers to effective intercultural communication?
(3) What are the barriers to effective communication? (4) What is the impact of
non-verbal language barriers on intercultural communication?
(5) What are the root causes of non-verbal barriers to effective intercultural
communication?
(6) What are the strategies of reducing or overcoming non-verbal barriers to
effective intercultural communication?
 LITERATURE REVIEW
● Communication: Numerous definitions are presented, drawing from Riemer &
Jansen (2003).
● Forms of Communication: Verbal and non-verbal are differentiated, citing Jandt
(2017) and Axtell & Fornwald (1991).
● Intercultural Communication: Koester & Lustig's (2012) definition is
incorporated.
● Barriers to Communication: It recognizes various barriers, including
psychological, social, cultural, verbal and non-verbal factors that hinder effective
communication.
● Impact of Language Barriers: It discusses the negative consequences of
misinterpreting non-verbal cues, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and
prejudice
● The article references relevant research throughout, citing authors like Desmond (1994),
Samovar et al. (2007), and Bullock (2002) to support its points.
 THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
● Intercultural Communication Theories
● Cultural Relativism: The article emphasizes that non-verbal cues are
not universally understood and their interpretations vary significantly
across cultures. What's acceptable in one culture might be offensive
in another.
● High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication: Cultures where
context plays a significant role in communication (high-context like
many Asian cultures) are more prone to misinterpreting non-verbal
actions from cultures where meaning is more explicit (low-context
like many Western cultures).
 THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK

● Social Psychology Concepts: The article connects to these concepts to

explain why misunderstandings arise:
● Social Perception: How individuals perceive and interpret social
cues, highlighting that these perceptions are influenced by cultural
backgrounds.
● Stereotyping and Prejudice: The article provides examples (like the
hijab) to demonstrate how pre-existing biases based on culture, race,
or religion can lead to inaccurate interpretations of non-verbal
communication.
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study utilizes a qualitative research design,

employing a descriptive and analytical approach to
examine the complexities of non-verbal communication in
intercultural settings.
 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

● Body language is powerful and culturally diverse. What we communicate

nonverbally can be just as important as what we say, but interpretations of
body language differ across cultures.
● Misunderstandings are common. Without understanding the cultural context
of body language, misinterpretations arise because what's appropriate in one
culture may not be in another.
● Cultural understanding is key to effective communication. To
communicate effectively across cultures, we need to study, understand, and
respect the differences in nonverbal communication.
 CONCLUSION

● Misinterpretations of non-verbal cues in intercultural settings

often stem from a lack of understanding of the cultural context
and individual behaviors.

● The authors recommend intercultural communication training

programs to foster greater cultural awareness and understanding.
 STRENGTHS

● Practical Examples: The use of diverse, real-life examples

makes the concepts relatable and highlights the real-world
implications.
● Emphasis on Cultural Awareness: The study stresses the
importance of acknowledging and respecting cultural
differences in communication styles.
● Focus on Solutions: It provides practical strategies and
recommendations to overcome non-verbal barriers and
enhance intercultural communication.
DRAWBACK & AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Strengthen methodology: Provide a
Limited methodology detailed description of the qualitative
methods

Incorporate diverse perspectives:

Western bias
Include insights and voices from
various cultural backgrounds

Overgeneralization Incorporate empirical evidence: Support

the claims with findings and examples
from empirical research studies
 THANKS
!
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