Nonverbal Messages

 

 

1.     Why is it important to understand as much as possible about the nonverbal language of a particular culture when interacting with others from that culture?

•     I think the reason why it’s important for one to understand the nonverbal language of a cultural is so that they can have a better understanding of the person’s body language. Another important concept that I would also like to add is that with nonverbal communication is present in a cultural aspect. One must be very careful how they interact with others because in some cultures as we learned in chapter nine in our textbook nonverbal communication can be interpreted differently depending on the cultural that you are interacting with. A great example could be that in several cultures it can be seen as disrespectful if you don’t greed someone whose walking by or when you don’t make eye contact it can be taken the wrong away as if you were offending someone for example.

2.     What are some potential obstacles to accurately understanding the nonverbal messages of other people?

•   Some potential obstacles that can happen are the following. I mentioned in my previous paragraph that we need to understand pacific culture's custom norms. For us to understand and interact with other individuals from that culture. Nonverbal communication can be misinterpreted depending on the person's body language, tone, and even facial expressions that one may not have meant to make or do. On the other hand, I feel like, as a society, we sometimes take in someone's appearance and, like they say, "judge a book by its cover" without knowing anything about that person. Whether we want to socialize with that person or group, we go off them' appears. 
•      Another obstacle that could arise is that the individual may appear approachable or even look friendly. That could be the case often, and most people will only approach them to ask questions. If there are tourists or start a conversation with them since someone's facial expression can say a lot about someone, at least in that pacific moment at least. As I read chapter nine, it was fascinating how the chapter mentions people's clothing can say a lot about a person. Suppose they may be dressed in a formal manner or simple form. In that case, the person appears to be friendly and approachable compared to someone who may be a "punk rock star" or gothic most people would hesitate to talk to them or even approach them. In some cases, they may seem scary. 

3.     The body is a major source of nonverbal messages, which are communicated through general appearance, judgments of beauty, skin color, attire, body movements, posture, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, and paralanguage. Choose two of these elements and find examples demonstrating how each is commonly used to communicate specific messages in the culture you are studying. 

•  Body movement/gestures are significant in Icelandic culture. When someone sees another person walking down the street, it's customary for you to greet them by their first name by shaking their hand. Overall, Icelanders are very welcoming, friendly, and always willing to welcome foreigners from other countries. It's also costumery for Icelander women to greet one another with a kiss on the cheek. It's only accepted if they have known each other for a very long time or if they have been friends for an extended period, it is considered normal. Another thing I want to mention is that we, as most Icelandic customers, are a sign of respect if we take off their shoes before entering someone's house. 
• Paralanguage:  In Iceland, many of its residents may initially seem to be very reserved or, in other words, very shy. Most Icelanders speak in a very high vocal tone and get straight to the point in their conversations. Icelandic people, at times, seem to be a little Noric since they are shy, but then they open up and become more talkative. Icelanders take their conversations seriously, honestly, and it is better not to make promises.

 

4.     How do people in the culture you are studying use personal space? How comfortable do you think you would be interacting with others using their cultural norms for sitting, standing in line, etc.? 

•       From my research on the country, I am studying for the course. I have learned that Icelanders are the type of people who like having their personal space, especially regarding social environments or in other social gathers in public. I would feel convertible if I interacted with other young people around the same age as me, whether having a coffee or tea in a local shop since everyone is friendly and welcoming. I can start conversations with whoever is waiting to place an order.

 

5.     How does the culture you are studying organize time? In other words, is it a monochronic or polychronic culture? How important is punctuality? Why is it important to know the answers to these questions? 

•     From my research on the country, I am studying for the course. I have learned that Icelanders are the type of people who like having their personal space, especially regarding social environments or in other social gathers in public. I would feel convertible if I interacted with other young people around the same age as me, whether having a coffee or tea in a local shop since everyone is friendly and welcoming. I can start conversations with whoever is waiting to place an order. Iceland is known to be monochronic. I couldn't find much information regarding this, just a small paragraph that popped up on my Google search engine. It's very important to know this information because at least now we know that Icelanders like people to be punctual to their appointments or gatherings and what kind of culture they are.

References:

 

Business communication. Business Culture. (2013, October 21). Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://businessculture.org/northern-europe/iceland/business-communication/.   

Nag, O. S. (2018, November 30). The culture of Iceland. WorldAtlas. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-culture-of-iceland.html#:~:text=Personal%20space%20is%20highly%20valued,helpful%2C%20and%20self%2Dsufficient.

Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., McDaniel, E. R., Roy, C. S.  (20160101). Communication Between Cultures,  9th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]].  Retrieved from vbk://9781305888067