Different Cultures and Non-Verbal Communication

The Importance of Nonverbal Communication

The act of transmitting meaningful messages from one person to another through signs and voice that both parties can understand is known as communication. As a result, nonverbal communication refers to the process of conveying messages without the use of words (Manusov, 2006). Since there are many different cultures present in the United States, using the right nonverbal cues or gestures is essential for conveying messages. Therefore, a typical American has more opportunities to contact with people from other cultures in America than anywhere else in the globe. However, some nonverbal cues have varying interpretations across cultural boundaries (Calero, 2005). As such, it is important that people get to understand what different non-verbal cues mean in different cultures; this will help improve their communication skills greatly. The following paper is an evaluation of the different non-verbal and verbal communication means that different cultures use thus enhancing my communication skills to suit different cultures.<\/p>

Nonverbal Communication Between African-Americans and Anglo-Americans

My focus will be the use of non-verbal communication between African-Americans and Anglo-Americans. This is as a result of the huge disparity in traditional beliefs and practices observed in both cultures. During my day to day activities, I get the opportunity of interacting with various people from diverse cultures. I get to interact with these people mainly in public and social venues such libraries, sports centers and community centers. As I visit these places frequently, I get ample time to interact with various individuals hence I have observed the different non-verbal communication cues in their cultures.<\/p>

Similarities and Differences in Nonverbal Communication

In both cultures, there are notable similarities, as well as vivid differing practices. Some of the similarities are; Directness while communicating is preferred in both instances with these traditions tending to speak one on one with their subject especially when conveying vital messages (Calero, 2005). Secondly, the employment of gestures is common in both cultures although, in Anglo-Americans, it is not used to the extreme. Among the major differences clear include; use of emotion whereby Anglo-Americans highly discourage this behavior especially in public situations whereas in the African American culture, in most cases, communication is regarded credible if it is argued out or debated and emotion is used to some extent (Calero, 2005).<\/p>

Other Differences in Nonverbal Communication

Another major difference is in the vocal patterns whereby Anglo-Americans commonly use mid-range to low tone with very little emotion applied. Contrary, in the African-American culture, vocal patterns range from very low to deep and notably loud and high-pitched voices where all these are regarded as acceptable (Calero, 2005). In addition to this, most Europeans involve very little touch, a handshake in most cases while non-verbally communicating as opposed to blacks who frequently use touch for friends but more especially for children. In the European culture, time is regarded highly and should be saved at all cost whereas, in the African-American tradition, things are handled in a more relaxed manner (Manusov, 2006). <\/p>

Benefits of Understanding Nonverbal Communication

In this culturally diverse world, the knowledge of non-verbal communication among different cultures has greatly improved my interactions with people from various races. One of the major impacts is that it has helped me identify the various suitable non-verbal communication elements necessary when communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds. With this knowledge, I have been able to fit in various gatherings and meetings with much ease as compared to previous times. Another advantage of acquiring this knowledge is that it has made me more adjustable and open to other cultures.<\/p>

Conclusion

To sum up the paper above, communication is a vital component of every culture. Observing different cultures gives you knowledge about the means they use to communicate and the acquisition of this knowledge has been very advantageous since it has broadened my understanding of different cultures. Learning these non-verbal communication skills has made me more open, appreciative and flexible to different ways of communication among a variety of cultures hence making me have a totally different view of various traditions from a better position than I was before.<\/p>

Works cited

Manusov, V. L. (2006). The SAGE handbook of nonverbal communication. Thousand Oaks, Calif. [u.a.: Sage Publ.

Calero, H. H. (2005). The power of non-verbal communication: What you do is more important than what you say. Los Angeles, Calif: Silver Lake Pub.