BODY LANGUAGE IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION Although it is generally considered that conflicts in intercultural communication usually arise from the

words and the oral form of language used in communication, it happens very often that the crux of the problem lies in non-verbal communication, otherwise known as body language. This essay will show why it is of paramount importance to be aware of the role of body language in intercultural communication, and to familiarize oneself with non-verbal communication of a culture, just as one does with its customs, traditions, language, art etc. Body language can be described as a form of mental and physical ability of non-verbal communication which consists of body posture, different gestures, facial expressions and eye movements. All these manifest various physical, mental or emotional states, often quite unintentionally and unconsciously. While many people believe that the most of information retained comes from words, it is quite contrary: according to James Borg1, human communication in whole consists of 93 percent body language and paralinguistic clues, which leaves us with only 7 percent of communication consisting of words themselves. Having in mind that body language is acquired, just like ones mother tongue, it is no surprise that people are able to read body language when it comes to other people from the same or similar cultures. However, reading body language of people belonging to other cultures, differentiating the significance of same gestures in different cultures has proved to be very difficult. This happens usually because of two reasons because of the inability to read the symbols and body language from other cultures and because of the tendency to attach meanings from our culture to others body language. In order to understand the role of body language in intercultural communication, that is, the differences between meanings attached to body language in different cultures which may be important in intercultural communication, it is important to mention that there are some parts of non-verbal communication universal for all cultures facial expressions for seven basic emotions: fear, anger, happiness, sadness, disgust, contempt and surprise. In all cultures, even in Native American and Aboriginal cultures, these facial expressions are universally recognized. This would mean that almost every other part of body language can be differently perceived and interpreted, based on the cultural background of interlocutors. For the purpose of emphasizing the differences between different cultures, body language will be split into three categories: 1) Eye contact 2) Personal space & Touching 3) Gestures Eye contact is thought to be a part of body language which bears the most striking differences throughout different cultures, usually because of the social or religious influence which alters the meaning.
1

Borg, James. Body Language: 7 Easy Lessons to Master the Silent Language. FT Press, 2010

For example, in the United States of America and Canada, prolonged visual contact is encouraged, especially during business interviews. According to a survey conducted in 2006 by APA (The American Psychology Association), first impression of those who maintain eye contact for longer than 20 seconds is very positive, and usually followed by adjectives such as: confident, trustworthy and interested. However, if one fails to maintain the eye contact, he/she would be considered suspicious, or showing low self-confidence and disinterest. At the same time, it is just as positive to maintain eye contact in everyday communication in Europe, just as long as it is short. Otherwise, it could be considered rude. On the other hand, in the Middle-Eastern societies, eye contact is not required by any social convention, and, what is more, can be considered extremely offensive if directed at a person of opposite sex. The prolonged gaze between same-sex interlocutors, usually male, can be viewed as a proof of sincerity. Finally, in Asia, visual contact is often avoided, as a persistent stare is considered to be a direct challenge of authorities and disrespect. Personal space and touching might be one of the most difficult problems to deal with, as we are the least aware of these. After all, it is not so surprising, as personal space can be defined as the invisible boundary around our bodies. If this personal space is violated, people tend to act defensively, and communication falls through. For example, in some cultures in Europe, like in Greece, Spain or Italy, it is very normal to have no personal space at all, that is to be very close to the persons you are talking to. Also, a lot of touching, usually using hands, is considered normal and not rude at all. This whole image is quite different in the countries like US or Canada, France, Germany and Japan. Personal space is very important to interlocutors, and they pay a lot of attention not invading other peoples boundaries. In these cultures, touching is considered very rude, especially during speech. However, what seems to be universal when it comes to touching other people is touching ones head. This is considered a serious intrusion in all cultures. Handshakes are pretty much usual in all cultures, except for Japan, where a handshake is replaced with a bow. Finally, gestures make most of what we call body language, and these are the most frequently misinterpreted parts of body language. Even simple gestures like thumbs up or the O ring are attributed with different meaning in different cultures, and we are not aware of this. Take thumbs up for example in UK, US, most of Europe and Brazil, it means Ok, great or no. 1, this gesture has very obscene meaning in Greece, West Africa and in parts of South America. Again, the O ring means ok, very good, excellent in UK and US; then zero in France and Belgium; money in Japan; but it carries a very negative meaning in Turkey and Greece where it is a pejorative sign for homosexuals. Even though it is obvious that differences are numerous and sometimes unexpected, there is a very accurate way of predicting some aspects of body language in different cultures by using Trompenaars Cultural Dimensions or Halls Cultural Factors. The differences between High and Lowcontext cultures, or between cultures with Neutral or Affective emotional expressiveness will be reflected in the different meanings attached to body language. However, one should be aware that in the last few decades there has been a rising tendency in Americanization of cultures all around the world. Sometimes, new generations seem to adopt nonverbal communication of the USA culture, so a clear cut between the patterns in their non-verbal communication is not possible.

To conclude, recognizing differences in body language in intercultural communication is certainly of great importance. Crucial for this goal is broadening of ones views and adaption to cultural differences, as it will neutralize the potential offensive interpretation of interlocutors actions and allow for the intercultural communication to continue under optimal conditions.

Djordje Stojanovic 3081