The main form of communication for an individual is likely talking but associated with any type of in person communication is body language. Each culture holds their own understanding of body language and has designated gestures with meanings. As Moran, Harris and Moran explain a gesture can mean nothing, something different or the same thing to both individuals (p. 59). With the world becoming more and more intertwined with business and leisure it is imperative people who will be traveling or doing business with other cultures understand the way body language can be interpreted as something unintended. Body language is more than just using your hands or your posture it involves our head, face, eyes, nose, lips, mouth, arms, hands, legs and feet (Rugsaken, 2006). It would appear that it is easy to control your features and not offend anyone because we were all raised to understand what gestures from our cultures mean. Well so were the other people you’re interacting with and their understanding may have a different than what you know.
The smallest gesture that a culture can know as harmless can be highly offensive in another. The picture below shows how nodding the head, smiling, pointing, thumbs up and feet pointed in a certain direction can be misunderstood and found offensive in another culture.
Even though it has never been an issue before and it was never known that pointing feet could be offensive, sometimes people get offended and angry resulting in conflict with an ill outcome.
In 1988, two Laotian men walked into a Los Angeles bar where a singer, who was also from an Asian country, was entertaining patrons. The men sat at empty spaces near the front with their feet pointed straight to the singer. After the bar was closed, the singer followed the two men to a parking lot where they got into an argument about how the men pointed their feet at the singer’s face. The argument became fierce when the singer pulled out a gun and killed one of the men. (Rugsaken, 2006)
Nonverbal communication will occur whether you want it to or not. “A study by Ting-Toomey found that up to 65% (an estimate that goes up to 90%) of a message’s meaning is sent through nonverbal cues” (Moran, Harris, Moran, p. 58). Regsaken states, “people in other parts of the world, especially Asians, are more perceptive to body language than the North Americans” (2006). Being a North American I believe it is very important to learn the differences in body language to best of our ability in order to ensure we are not offending anyone we are doing business with from another culture.
Body language is universal but it has different meanings across the world. Understanding how you can offend someone or be perceived because of your gestures is important to know. Even here in our own country we are not always aware of how our body language can offend someone. Our body language sends messages to others about how we are feeling and what kind of person we are. Knowing what your body language gives off could give you the advantage.
Here is a video done by Dr. Amy Cubby on body language, she explains ways it can be interpreted.
References:
Cuddy, D. (2014, January 20). Body Language and Confidence Uptown Dallas Counseling. Retrieved February 28, 2015, from http://uptowndallascounseling.com/body-language-and-confidence/
Harris, P., Moran, R., & Moran, S. (2011). Leadership in Creating Cultural Synergy. In Managing cultural differences (8th ed., pp. 232-251). Houston: Gulf Pub.
Rugsaken, K. (2006). Body speaks: Body language around the world. Retrieved from NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/View-Articles/body-speaks.aspx
Laurel Reid says
I completely agree with your sentiment that it is extremely important that people acknowledge that hand gestures or nonverbal cues can mean different things to different cultures. Because of this it is wise to be sure to be well informed about all aspects of a culture before visiting to avoid such gaffes. I believe this is especially important in business where one wrong move could jeopardize future relationships with an individual or company. In an article in Forbes contributor August Turak made an interesting comment likening nonverbal cues and hand gestures to advice given by Henry David Thoreau, to “live deliberately” (Turak,2010). Here Turak suggests that we as communicators be deliberate nonverbal cues so that we convey exactly what we intend to. While Turak acknowledges that being deliberate in all aspects of communication is hard work he says it (the effort) “pales to almost insignificance when compared to the alternative: rushing around like the Wicked Witch of the East, scattering signals to the wind, and wondering why houses keep dropping onto our heads” (Turak,2010)
To avoid that proverbial house here are some links with images in relation to body language in an international context.
http://www.businessinsider.com/body-language-around-the-world-2015-3
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-properly-shake-hands-around-the-world-2015-3
References
Turak, August (2010, December 17). The Business of Nonverbal Communication: How Signals Reflect Your Brand. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/augustturak/2010/12/17/the-business-of-nonverbal-communication-how-signals-reflect-your-brand/
Peter Joseph Santiago says
I really enjoyed this post. When communicating with people from different cultures it is important that we understand the nonverbal cues. Things that may mean something in our culture may have a different meaning in another culture (Moran, Harris & Moran, 2011). A great example would be when nodding ones head from side to side. In the American culture we understand this as meaning “no.” In some cultures nodding your head from side to side would signal “yes.” These types of differences can cause confusion if not understood. When dealing with critical situation where there may be cultural differences, it can be beneficial to have an interpreter help guide you for success. If an interpreter is not available, make sure you study up on the cultural situation you’ll be entering (Moran, Harris & Moran, 2011). A good guide is the CIA website, which has lots of information to keep you informed.
References
Moran, R. T., Harris, P. R., & Moran, S. V. (2011). Chapter 2: Global Communication. Managing cultural differences: Global leadership strategies for cross-cultural business success (8th ed.) (p. 127-181). Oxford, UK: Elsevier Inc.