Understanding Body Language: Functions, Myths, and Cultural Differences
The Functions of Body Language in Communication
Definition
While separating the functions of verbal and non-verbal communication is challenging, researchers have identified some basic functions of body language within the communication process.
Categories of Body Language Functions
These functions generally fit within one of several general categories:
- Regulating: Body language paces and regulates communication. For example, in a group, non-verbal cues indicate when someone is finished speaking and it’s another person’s turn.
- Substituting: Body language can replace verbal communication. For instance, if you’re stuck in a conversation with someone who won’t stop talking, you might glance away or step away instead of verbally expressing your disinterest.
- Conflicting: Your body language might contradict your verbal communication. For example, if you tell your boss their presentation was terrific but struggle to make eye contact, your body language contradicts your words. People tend to believe body language over verbal communication in such cases.
- Centering: This type of body language emphasizes, accentuates, softens, or enhances verbal communication. You might point to direct attention or touch someone’s hand while correcting them.
- Complementing: Similar to conflicting, but with subtle differences. Body language can support or add credibility to your words, strengthening the overall message if perceived as genuine. If seen as fake, it becomes conflicting.
- Repeating: This type of body language repeats what you’re saying verbally. For example, you might point at the door while telling your child to open it.
Body Language Myths
The Eyes of a Liar
Many believe that liars can’t look someone in the eyes, but research by Paul Ekman, a pioneer in facial expressions, disproves this. Pathological liars have no problem lying while maintaining eye contact. Conversely, nervousness or shyness can cause people to avoid eye contact, even when truthful. Some cultures even encourage avoiding eye contact, especially among younger generations.
Eye Contact is Good
While eye contact is important, a fixed stare can make others uncomfortable. A few seconds of eye contact shows attention and sincerity, while prolonged eye contact might be perceived as flirtation or intimidation.
Unit 4
The 8 Macro-environments
Geographical, demographic, legal, environmental, technological, political, social, cultural.
Negative Body Language
Negative body language is any movement of the body, head, eyes, or any visible part that suggests unhappiness or displeasure. Examples include:
- Shoulders drawn back
- Persistent eye contact (staring)
- Arms crossed over the chest
- Sweating
- Hands clenched into fists
- Swaying back and forth
- Grinding teeth
These displays are often seen in various scenarios and can be influenced by mood and circumstances.
How Mood Affects Negative Body Language
Introduction
A happy mood is reflected in relaxed muscles and content eyes. However, a bad mood can manifest physically, even if we try to conceal it. When in a bad mood, we might pace, stand frequently, tap our fingers, or exhibit other negative body language signals.
Cultural Differences in Body Language
Kissing
Kissing has different meanings across cultures. In the Western world, it can be affectionate, platonic, or passionate. Public displays of kissing between genders vary in appropriateness depending on cultural and religious norms. In some cultures, kissing someone of the opposite sex in public is taboo, while in others, a platonic kiss on both cheeks is a common greeting.
Pointing
In the Western world, pointing helps explain a point. While pointing directly at someone can be rude, gesturing towards an object with the forefinger is generally acceptable. However, in many Asian cultures, such as China, pointing with the forefinger is considered rude. The alternative is to gesture with an open palm facing upwards.