A concept that I found interesting was the cultural display rules that are a factor in nonverbal communication. We are all born into a culture that provides rules on how to live and communicate with each other. Cultural display rules influence how people use their bodies in communication. For example, Asian children are taught not to look an adult directly in the eye as a sign of respect, here in the West we see it as a sign of disrespect. When President Obama bowed too deep before Japan’s Emperor Akihito, there was a lot of debate on the aptness of the act. The media portrayed the act as, “The United States of America bowing low and lowly before Imperial Japan.” It was said that the Emperor “smiled” to communicate his embarrassment.
We need to be more careful when communicating non verbally using unfamiliar cultural displays. There are many aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication we need to carefully consider, if we do not want to be misunderstood.
Checkout Image At: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/usa/news/article_1513396.php/President-Obama-s-deep-bow-in-Japan-causes-debate-Video
Sunshine Corner,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the concept you choose to point out, "cultural display rules". It is interesting how each culture have their nonverbal cues. Us American's, seem to like our space. And we have personal space that we don't like people to go into. "We are all born into a culture that provides rules on how to live and communicate with each other." Yes, we are taught to have manners and how to show respect to one another. Although, shaking someones hand and looking them into the eyes in other cultures can be disrespectful. "We need to be more careful when communicating non verbally using unfamiliar cultural displays." Another great point you made, we should be more aware and careful with communicating with one another. Thanks for sharing the image link as well.