Body Language In Cross-Cultural Communication

In our daily communication, human communication is conducted through verbal communication and nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is an indispensable and inseparable part of human interaction and communication. As a main part of nonverbal communication, body language includes posture, eye contact, facial expression, gesture, appearance and so on. Body language, like verbal language, can express emotions, exchange ideas and deliver information. This thesis focuses on the five main types and application of body language in cross-cultural communication. In this way, we can understand body language better and improve our communication.This thesis consists of the main body and a conclusion. Its main contents are as follows:The body of the thesis is composed of five chapters.Chapter one mainly introduces the importance of body language, the focus of former research in this field and the research method of this thesis.Chapter two depicts the concrete meaning and common features of body language. Body language is not a language in the strict sense of the word "language". It is expressing how one feels by one's sitting, moving, etc, rather by words.Chapter three analyzes the five main types of body language with lots of cases which embody the conflict and some misunderstandings caused by body language in cross-cultural communication. They are postures, eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and appearances.Chapter four expounds the applications of body language in cross-cultural communication. It can repeat, complement, substitute, regulate, contradict, and reinforce the meaning of verbal communication.Chapter five depicts the use of body language in English teaching of Middle Schools.As teachers, we should show the students how to use and understand body language. And we must be clear that the body language in teaching will affect the students in many ways.The conclusion summarizes the whole paper. It depicts the body language compactly and emphasizes the importance of body language both in cross-cultural communication and in classroom teaching.However, there are still some limitations in this study. It remains open to be discussed and improved.