Intercultural Nonverbal Communication

As we enter the new millennium, because of economic development, contact between people from various cultures is increasing. International scientific cooperation is at an all-time high. International trade and tourism is an increasingly common phenomenon. When we interact with someone from a different culture, language plays an important role in communication. We are well aware that different cultures use different languages and dialects, and differences in languages make communication more difficult. We often expect nonverbal behaviors to express the same meanings in cultural communications, this is probably because we think of nonverbal behaviors as a "natural" way of communication, in fact, it is not true, In any case, to expect the nonverbal behaviors of other cultures to match ours is unrealistic. Norms and interpretations of nonverbal behavior vary tremendously from culture to culture.Maybe we can write a monumental work if we compare all the different nonverbal behaviors across culture. In this article I have only compared the differences of body language, space, time and silence.Nonverbal messages serve multiple functions in international interaction. While verbal messages convey content meaning, nonverbal message carry strong identity and relational meaning. Nonverbal messages can help to emphasize (repeat), complement, substitute, regulate, and even contradict the meaning of the verbal messages. While verbal messages are digital in natural (i.e., using discrete units of sounds), nonverbal messages are analogic in form (i.e., using continuous streams of icons). The use of verbal messages involves human intention, while the use of nonverbal messages can be intentional or unintentional.Nonverbal messages can be used without verbal messages; spoken verbal messages, on the other hand, always involve some nonverbal cues (i.e., the tone of voice). Nonverbal messages are the nonlinguistic aspects of the communication that carry powerful emotional meaning. They provide the context for how the accompanying verbal message should be interpreted andunderstood. They can either create miscommunication or clarify communication (e.g., through the use of facial expressions).It would be naive to think that the intercultural differences are unimportant to us. Nowadays, intercultural communication occurs more and more often. While it is impossible to prepare for those interactions by learning the nonverbal nuances of every culture in advance, it is important to be alert to cultural differences.(1) Knowing ourselvesKnow our perceptions and know how to act on those perceptions.(2) Considering the physical and human settingsWe understand that the settings can influence the encounters: the usage of time, physical setting, social climate, and customs.(3) Seeking to understand diverse message systems Learning about the diverse nonverbal codes and developing code sensitivity towards the message systems used by other cultures.(4) Encouraging feedbackFeedback is useful that it enables us to correct and adjust our next action. A competent communicator uses feedback both to monitor the communication process and to exercise some control over it.(5 ) Developing communication flexibilityWe need to be flexible and able to adapt our communication style to each culture and situation that confront us.(6) Viewinging cultural norms dynamicallyBecause of the society development and the intercultural communication strengthening, the cultural norms keep a changing situation.(7 ) Avoiding stereotyping and prejudiceThe intercultural setting frequently brings people together who have very little knowledge of each other. If we use stereotypes asthe source of that limited knowledge, problems can arise, when we meet unfamiliar nonverbal behaviors, prejudice may come out.During intercultural communication, we needn't admire some cultures but look down on others. All cultures are equal. Every culture is unique. During the interaction, we learn from each other, and develop...