Body Language1. IntroductionBody language is used by people for sending messages to one another. It is very useful because it can help you make yourself easily understood. People can communicate with each other through not only verbal communication but also nonverbal communication. Moreover, the latter plays an essential role in human communication. Many people pay great attention to the acceptance and correctness of the verbal communication and overlook the influence and cultural difference of nonverbal communication. Then the misunderstanding and cultural crash often occur in the cross-cultural communication. So in the process of communication, it is not a complete communication while ignoring the cultural differences of nonverbal communication. A famous anthropologist E.T.Hall pointed out ―Silent language expresses more information than verbal language. Because it contains much information.‖ According to some researchers abroad, in people’s daily life, nonverbal communication takes part over 65% in all of information exchange. And body language is an important part of nonverbal communication. Many experts have shown the importance of body language in the cross-cultural communication. ―A psychologist proposed a formula: the total impact of message = 7% verbal + 38% vocal +55% facial expressions and behavior.‖[1] It is clear without body language we can’t finish our informational exchange. Body language, like verbal language can express emotions, exchange ideas and deliver information. So we must know the cultural differences of body language to achieve efficient communication.2 The definition and the importance of body language2.1 DefinitionThere’s language in her eyes, her cheek, her lip, Nay, her foot speaks. ---Shakespeare When we speak, we use much more than just words. We also communicate with our face, our hands, and even our own body. This kind of communication can be called ―body language‖ or ―non-verbal communication‖.The world’s best business communicators have strong body language: a commanding presence that reflects confidence, competence, and charisma. Body language refers to the use of facial expressions, gestures and physical contact to express a message. Body language is an important part of nonverbal communication and it is used by people for sending messages to one another. It is very useful because it can help you make yourself easily understood. When you are talking with others, you are not just using words, but also using expressions and gestures. For example, waving ones hand is to say ―Good-bye.‖A smile and handshake show welcome, and clapping hands means congratulations. Nodding the head means agreement, but shaking the head means disagreement. The gestures are accepted both by Chinese and foreigners as having the same meanings. Different countries have different body language. For example, men in Russia, France and Arab countries kiss each other when they meet, but men in China or Australia shake hands instead of kissing. People in Puerto Rio like touching each other, but people from English speaking countries do not touth each other. If you touch an English person, you should say ―Sorry.‖ People in Arab countries like standing close to one another when they are talking, but English people must keep a distance away when they are talking. In some Asian countries, you must not touch the head of another person. In Arab countries, you eat using the fingers of your right land, the left hand is not used at all. In parts of Asia you must not sit with your feet pointing at another person.2.2 ImportanceCommunication tool as a community language is the carrier of culture, but also an integral part of culture. The language reflects the prism of different nationalities, different cultural environment, lifestyle, ideas, religious rituals, values and thinking habits. So cultural differences the same gestures in different countries sometimes have different meaning. We communicate with more than the words we speak. Words are only one part of communication. Beyond voice communication, there are the messages our bodies send out constant. Research shows language only play the role of the expression of seven percent everyday. Sometimes the body message reinforces the words. Sometimes it contradicts them. Sometimes the messages are sent with noaccompanying words and we speak in body language alone. Body language, like our verbal language, is also a part of our culture. People in the exchange, there will be unconscious of the use of body language. Body language is an expression of one’s inner world of silence and an authentic language, non-verbal means of the most eye-catching. Body Language includes space dominance, eyes contact, physical contact, posture movements, facial expressions, etc. But not all body language has the same meaning for different people. Different people have different ways of making nonverbal communication. Are our voices loud, angry, overbearing, confident, soft, and shy? The quality of a voice can communicate as much as the words. The same words can be tender, mocking, sarcastic or angry, depending on how they are said. We can signal our own authority by talking in a loud, overbearing way. We can use the same words to signal our humility by talking softly and hesitantly. To learn the correct hand signals to communicate with others will make you happier.3. A comparative study of body language between Chinese and English-speaking countries3.1 Comparative study of physical contactPhysical contact also may mean different things in different culture. Figures from a study offer interesting insight into this matter. Pairs of individuals sitting and chatting in college shops in different places were observed for at least one hour each.In English-speaking countries,physical contact is generally avoided in conversation among ordinary friends or acquaintances. Merely touching someone may cause an unpleasant reaction. If one touches another person accidentally, she\he often says ―Sorry,I’m sorry‖[2].As we know, our Chinese often fondle the babies and little children who look very lovely, and the mother of the baby may not feel any awkward but pride. But Western mothers will feel embarrassing about this. Even they know that such gestures are just signs of friendliness. They still feel displeasure. As such actions in their own culture woule be considered rude, offensive.Besides the form of touching, let’s take up the matter of hugging and embracing in public. In many countries, many women hug and kiss. In most of the English-speaking countries, it also occurs frequently between husband and wife and other members in the family. Hugging and embracing among men is a different matter. Among Arabs, Russians, French and in several of the east European and Mediterranean countries, a warm hug and a kiss on the cheeks between the man are to show welcome. In east Asia and in the English-speaking countries, though, the action is seldom seen. They just shake hands in common. The matter of physical contact between members of the same sex in English-speaking countries is a delicate one. In their childhood, the holding of hands or walking with an arm around another’s shoulder is not considered proper. The implication is homosexuality, and homosexuality generally arouses strong social disapproval in those countries.3.2 Comparative study of facial expressionsFacial expression is the most expressive part of the body. It’s capable of conveying emotions. Different cultures have many different or same facial expressions. Laughing means happiness and crying indicates sadness. Since the expression of emotions is acquired in the background of cultures, facial expressions varies among cultures. Smacking means delicious in China, while it means ―have no savor‖ in English-speaking countries. Lolling out tongue indicates shyness for Han race and politeness to strange heterosexual guests for Tibetan, whereas it indicates contempt, jeer or resistance for American children. Because the traditional cultures and the affects toward certain thing are not the same, facial expressions would be different. For example, when Chinese are praised by others, they would take on negative facial expression, indicating ―I don’t believe.‖ ―I can’t accept.‖ When English are praised, they would say, ―Thank you!‖ with a smile. Chinese would consider this attitude as immodesty and pride. All of these as determined by the features of cultures.Smiles and laughter are the common character of human. They usually convey friendliness, approval, satisfaction, pleasure, joy and merriment. But their meanings also vary from culture to culture. In cross-cultural communication, there are many misunderstandings caused by smile. English people usually can’t understand Chinesefacial expressions and smiles. Some even call Chinese smile as inscrutable. There are two reasons.a. Chinese smile often isn’t accordant with c ontextFor instance, when an American is parking his bicycle, and the bicycle accidentally falls over, he feels embarrassed at his awkwardness, and is quite angered and humiliated when Chinese onlookers laugh. Such laughter, of course is not at the person or his misfortune—whether he be a foreigner or a Chinese. It can convey a number of meanings; don’t take it so seriously; or laugh it of, or it is nothing; or such things can happen to anyone, etc. But in America, onlookers should reflect such context with clear sympathetic feelings.b. English people think Chinese feelings are too implicit and are not often taken on face Even there is some disaster happening to them, Chinese people would also smile at guests. But if something unfortunate happens to English people, they would not conceal their sad feeling intentionally. There are more facial expressions and gestures in English-speaking countries, especially in America. American adults always encourage their children to show themselves and to form extroverted character, which would elicit more facial expressions. But Chinese adults often warn their children not to display their emotions, so most of their children own an introverted and implicit character.3.3 Comparative study of eye contactEye contact is an delicate aspect of body language. Eyes play a large part in communication. It helps to regulate the flow of communication. It signals interest in others and increases the speaker’s credibility. People who make eye contact open the flow of communication and convey interest, concern, warmth, and credibility.It’s one of the most common and ancient ways of exchanging feelings between people. In drama, poetry, fiction and music, eyes have always been a fascinating topic: Shakespeare’s ―thou tell me there is murder in mine eye‖ Bob Dylan’s ―Your eyes said more to me that night than y our lips would ever say.‖ Lyric: ― Your lips tell me no, no, but there’s yes, yes in your eyes.‖As saying goes ―The eyes are the window of the soul‖. That is to say, we can read one’s mind through his/her eyes. Eye language can express complicated feelings and it is an important way to judge the intimacy ofcommunicators.People from English speaking countries have more eye contact when they are in conversation. According to American tradition, communicators must gaze at each other. ―But there are many rules about eye language: Whether to look at the other communicator or not; when it is the time to look at them, how long we can look at; who we can look at and who we can’t; they all i mply different meanings in communication.‖[4] In Juliets Faster’s book ―Body Language‖, there is a paragraph which can explain the problem. Two strangers sit face to face in the dinning room in a train; they can introduce themselves to each other. When they are eating, they can talk anything else. They also can avoid eye contact and do not show interest in each other. A writer described this situation in an article, ―They look over the menu again and again, play with knives and look at their nails.‖ It seems that they look at them for the first time. If their eyes meet, they will turn away immediately and look out of the window.‖Americans pay great attention to the time and the way of eye contact. In common conversation, they will look at each other about one minute and then they will look away. If two Americans gaze at each other, which indicate they are intimate. In North America, the children there have learned to look at the other communicator directly. If they don’t, they are regarded lack of enthusiasm or confidence. They believe the saying ―Never trust a person who can’t look you in the eyes.‖[5]If two Arabians are in conversation, they will look at each other warmly. Because they think eyes are the key of their existence. But in American eyes, they think this behavior is unsuitable or a homosexual behavior. The educated Englishmen believe direct eye contact with our communicators is gentlemanly. But Swedenians use eye language more often than Englishmen. And the French especially like to look attentively at the other communicators with admiration. Japanese often look at the other communicator’s neck when they are in conversation. They believe eye contact is impolite. And Chinese consider gazing people is an unfriendly behavior and it is a challenge. Some South American Indians used to look at different directions when they are talking. In the Middle East, it is considered extremely provocative for a woman to let a man catch her eyes, let alone, return his gaze. Another example, Americans have a trip to a village andthe local people stare at them. They are annoyed and think the local people are rude. In fact, it is normal in the village. They are just curious. ―American social psychologist Michael Argyle found out: People who like each other have more eye-contact than people who dislike each other.‖ In communication, looking down frequently can indicate submissiveness or embarrassment. Looking away constantly may express dissatisfaction. Females are likely to communicate with more eye contact, especially among females. But too long eye contact will cause embarrassment. Most people feel uneasy and uncomfortable under the strong staring. When people always stare at us, we will feel we are threatened or suspect their sincerity. From what is mentioned above we can conclude that different cultural background has a great influence on body language. And eye language also reflects different cultures and believes. So we need to observe and compare and contrast carefully so as to improve cultural exchange and to blend well.3.4 Comparative study of postures―Posture is a matter of how people sit, walk, stand and move.‖[6] What kind of posture people use also can reflect the cultural differences between east and west. ―Hewes pointed out culture mostly determined what kind of postures people use and the meaning and emotion they suggested.‖According to Chinese tradition, people who are sitting have right to take charge of others: Monarch sits and officer stands; father sits and son stands; leader sits and employee stands and so on. So the younger give the old a seat to show respect. But in America and Britain, people who are in charge of others have tendency to stand. They will make use of the height of space to indicate the high status. People who have high status choose to sit when they are conversing with you, which mean they want to create harmonious and equal atmosphere and lessen space. So adults will bend down when they are talking to children. Froyd once said, ― No one can really keep secret. If he does not talk and keep silent, he will talk with his fingers. In a whole, part of his body will sell him out.‖ In fact, this statement refers that people’s postures, attitude and other body language can deliver more hidden information. People may control their facial expressions successfully and appear calm. But they do not realize that his nervousness and eagerness have let out from his body language. Their feet may be stamping on thefloor. Madness is the emotion that may let out from our feet and legs. ―When we are quarrelling with others, our feet will be nervous and trembling unconsciously.‖[7] And females will make some teasing postures with their legs. And postures can also reflect people’s attitude towards their communicators. The research indicated: males communi cate with the person they don’t like, whether they are relaxed or nervous determined by whether their communicators are threatening or not. In this experiment, females will express dislike with very relaxing postures. Postures will be the clue of the internal relationship of a group. For example, Guests are quarrelling because of dispute; we can make out the two quarrelling parts by their postures. People who agree with them will put their legs on the other legs. And people who are against will stretch out their legs straight. And some neutral people will hold arms. Somebody suddenly changes his/her postures, which may mean he disagrees with the person who is speaking or he/she is changing his/her mind. For example, People from English speaking countries prefer kneeling or sitting on the ground to bending down. They think it is the posture of uncultivated people when they are surrounding the fire, and they are willing to kneel or sit on the ground. But people from the countryside of Northern China get used to this posture. In Indonesia, people often bow and put the other people’s hand on their forehead to express modesty. But Americans will not do it. American’s informalness is famous. Teachers can sit on the platform or desk when they are teaching. And the st udents needn’t to sit straight. But in China, people are required to have a good manner. For example, In interpersonal communication, good manners show great respect to the other people. For example, having an interview for job-hunting, we should behave well. And we can conclude something from people’s posture. When we listen to people, we believe they are more energetic, confident and competent if they stand erect. On the other hand, when we see a person slouching over a lectern or standing lazily, we make a negative interpretation. We say the person is not very interested in what they are discussing.3.5 Comparative study of gesturesGesture is the expressive movement of a part of body, especially the hand and the head. Although people are normally not aware of it, they use gestures when they aretalking. If they want to understand gestures correctly, they must take the context or situation into consideration, otherwise gestures can be confusing indeed. For instance, a thumb in the air might mean a request for a ride on the highway or ―ok‖ on the launch pad. To touch the nose can indicate ―dishonesty‖ in conversation or ―failure‖ in contexts such as a game of chess. As with verbal language, nonverbal codes are not universal. A lot of gestures vary from culture to culture.3.5.1 The same meaning shown by different gesturesIn different countries, the different gestures would also have the same meaning. Chinese and English-speaking countries:Bad Raising little finger Thumb down“I don’t know‖ Shaking the head or waving the hand Shrugging the shoulders;“Come here‖ Hand extended toward person, palm open and down, with all fingers crooked in a beckoning motion Hand extended toward person, closed hand, palm up, with forefinger only moving back and forth;“Shame on you!‖ (semi-joking gesture) Forefinger of one hand extended, tip touches one’s face several times quickly, similar to scratching, but with the forefinger straight Forefinger of each hand extended, palms down in fron t of one’s body, one forefinger makes several brushing movements over the back of the other forefinger;Welcome, congratulation Applauding and clapping hands Applauding and snapping one’s fingers;“I’m very full‖ after a meal, one or both hands open, light ly patting one’s own stomach Hand raised to throat, fingers extended, palm down;High praise, the best thumb up closed hand, forefinger up;“No, don’t do that‖ Moving the head from side to side Moving the index finger from side to side;“That’s crazy!‖―He/she is crazy!‖ Moving the index finger from side to side Moving the index finger in a circle in front of the ear.3.5.2 The same gestures with different meaning in different culturesSince the cultures in different countries are different, the same gesture would have different meanings in different countries.Chinese and English-speaking countries:Raising forefinger and middle finger to form a ―V‖ The figure of two Victory;Making a circle with thumb and index finger while extending others The figure of zero or three Ok;Hand raised to throat, fingers extended, palm down Suicide I’m very full;Moving the index finger in a circle in front of the ear Think about Think of That’s crazy! He/she is crazy;Thumb up High praise, Good a request for ride on the highway;Index finger touches the temple or the forehead He/she is very foolish. There is something wrong with his/her mind. He/she is very clever/intelligent;Hand extended toward person, palm open and down, with all fingers crooked in a beckoning motion come here goodbye;Forefinger near lips with the sound ―shhh‖ disapproval, hissing be silent/quiet;A speaker or performer clapping at the same time audience applauds appreciation, mutual positive feeling immodest, applauding oneself.4. The significance of Comparative studyIn intercultural communication, it is very important for us to understand the body language. Body language varies from culture to culture. So, the significance of studying and researching body language. is to help foreign language learners and communicators exclude the interference of cultural differences. Moreover, body language has international character. People who live in different countries and speak different languages can communicate through body language. Sometimes body language can be used alone, but sometimes it must be used together with verbal language. If one can’t use body language properly, he can’t achieve communicative purpose well and he will make another one unhappy or make himself embarrassed. Help commmunicate effectively and efficiently4.1 Be tolerant and avoid prejudicesBecause of different cultures, we will meet difficulties in communicating. We should be tolerant of others’ mistakes, for it is impossible for a person to know all countries’ body languages, but we sh ould try our best to avoid others’ prejudices. Whether aChinese or a foreigner, he shouldn’t take it too seriously because any of us may make such mistakes. However, for most people are unaware of this attitude, the reaction to such laughter is quite unpleasant and often generates ill feeling.4.2 Appreciate similarities and accept differencesThe origin of culture in different countries is different. We should respect his custom and reserve our culture.A comparative study of Chinese and Americans’ body language shows a number of similarities. For example, men don’t hug or embrace when meeting.A handshake is the most common gesture to show greeting. It has the same meaning as the waving hand to say ―goodbye‖. A frown shows displeasure, and ―wrinkle‖ of o ne’s nose is a sign of dislike, disgust or disapproval; nodding means ―yes‖, and shaking one’s hand means ―no‖. Pouting has the same meaning–displeasure, bad humor; a pat on the back of a man or boy indicates approval, praise, encouragement; gritting one’s teeth may express anger, fury or determination.Of course, there is some difference. Black children often don’t look at the teacher because their parents told them that it’s impolite. White children stare at the teacher’s eyes not only implies that they are listening to the teacher carefully, but also shows their loyalty. In Asian countries, when speaking, stare at others is impolite, too. Especially, when a subordinate listens to the leader, he often looks down. In Arabian countries, it is the same as white people.5. ConclusionThe study of body language should be complementary to the study of language. In order to communicate effectively in a foreign language, one should know also the facial expressions, gestures, postures and physical contact. In human communication, people use body language to communicate, as well as verbal language. Body language is belongs to the scope of nonverbal communication. Body language plays an important role in our life. Body language, like verbal language, is also a part of culture. But in different cultures body language means the different things. Different people have different ways of making nonverbal communication. Understanding the different cultural implication of English-speaking countries and Chinese body language canpromote people’s cross-cultural communication competence, reinforce the heart-to-heart understanding. This study is helpful for people to diminish or avoid misunderstandings caused by the cultural differences of body language.Bibliography[1]Fast, Julius. Body Language [M].New York: Pocket Books, 1971.[2]Liu Yongfa. The Practical Body Language[M].Beijing:Hua Wen Press, 1997.[3]Samovar,L.A. Understanding Intercultural Communication[J]. WadsworthPublishing Company, 1981.[4]Shen Minxian. The Use of the Body Language in Elementary School[J]. ShanghaiEducation, 1999.[5]Stern,H. H. Fundamental Concepts of Language Teaching[M]. London: Oxforduniversity press. 1983.[6]毕继万. 跨文化非语言交际[M]. 北京：北京外语教学与研究出版，1999.[7]胡文仲. 跨文化交际学概论[M]. 北京：北京外语教学与研究出版社，1991.AcknowledgementsAt the point of finishing this paper, I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all those who have lent me hands in the course of my writing this paper. First of all, I'd like to take this opportunity to show my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Miss Gao, who has given me so much useful advices on my writing, and has tried her best to improve my paper. Secondly, I’d like to express my gratitude t o my classmates who offered me references and information on time. Last but not the least, I’d like to thank those leaders, teachers and classmate. Without their help, it would be much harder for me to finish my study and this paper.。
