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Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give examples of some of the nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries? If you have moved around within this country, have you ever encountered regional differences in nonverbal meaning?
According to Sarah Trenholm, “Each one of us varies in how close we prefer to be to other people. This preference, called personal space, acts as a kind of portable territory that we carry with us wherever we go…Factors that affect personal closeness include liking, status, gender, and the way we define the interact” (Trenholm 2008, p. 128). While in Paris, I ate at many sidewalk Cafés. On several occasions and at some upscale Cafés, I sat next door to another couple almost shoulder to shoulder. This is absolutely normal in Paris to be sitting and your next table is on your right or left side. Another example was one morning while I was eating my breakfast in my hotel, there was a couple that arrived late and so the only table where they could sit and share was my table. This couple happened to be from Hawaii and of course, since I was born and raised in Hawaii, we immediately became good friends and two years later, we still keep in contact via email. Again, it is usual and customary to share a table while eating in Paris. How else are you going to meet some of the neatest people in the world?
I really liked your post because it shared a personal experience of your own. For me, I have travelled to Japan and therefore cited that countries nonverbal differences in comparison to America's. It's great that you touched on the topic of personal space because I think that is probably something that varies greatly from country to country or even region to region. For example, I went to New York in February and noticed that there weren't a lot of couples holding hands or showing any public displays of affection. I thought that was really strange because it seems so common here.
ReplyDeleteI really liked that you mentioned personal space. I think this is the best example. One countries preference for personal space, is anothers invasion. I find it funny when meeting new people and they show different ways of interacting with you.
ReplyDeleteI work at an optometry and this literally brings people from different cultures everyday.I can definately tell there is a difference in the way someone from each culture approaches me for help.