1. Introduction
Nonverbal communication accompanies us mostly unconsciously every day. We do not think what kind of gestures or distance is appropriate in certain situations. However about 60 to 65 percent of all meaning created in human encounters derives from nonverbal cues (KNAPP:246).
Studies of nonverbal communication can be traced back till times of the Roman Empire. The rhetorical treatises of Quintilian and Cicero already dealt with the meaning of hand gestures. However just in the seventeenth century with Bonifcio’s and Bulwer’s works gestures obtained a status “of a subject of its one right” (BULL:25). Yet elaborate study of nonverbal communication is only possible since sophisticated recording techniques have been developed which allow repeated viewing and analysis of human behaviour (for instance data gloves or video tapes). As a consequence studies of nonverbal communication developed rather lately. In the late fifties of the last century Edward HALL and Ray BIRDWHISTELL made first attempts to study nonverbal behaviour not only as a psychological function but as a means of communication. In general studies of nonverbal communication emerged as a reaction to the “overwhelming emphasis placed on verbal behaviour in the field of communication“ (JONES/LEBARON:512). Subsequent a number of studies were conducted so that in the seventies nonverbal communication became an established topic (HELLER:2). In the nineties space and place received renewed interest..
This paper introduces the vast field of nonverbal communication. It is aimed at giving an overview of the different forms while focussing on proxemics, as “all behavior is located in and constructed of space”(LOW/ZÚÑIGA:1)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Defining nonverbal communication
3. Relationship between nonverbal and verbal behaviour
4. Forms of nonverbal communication
4.1 Physical appearance
4.2 Paralanguage
4.3 Kinesics
4.4 Haptics
4.5 Oculesics olfactics and chromatics
4.6 Chronemics
4.7 Proxemics
5. Communicating emotions – Black and White styles in conflict
6. Synopsis
Objectives and Research Themes
The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the multifaceted field of nonverbal communication. It explores how human behavior is deeply rooted in space and culture, aiming to analyze how different forms of nonverbal cues contribute to social interaction, the formation of first impressions, and the potential for conflict in intercultural contexts.
- The theoretical definition and ambiguity of nonverbal communication.
- The interrelationship between verbal and nonverbal behavior.
- Comprehensive analysis of nonverbal communication forms (e.g., Kinesics, Proxemics, Chronemics).
- The impact of cultural differences on spatial perception and emotional expression.
- Conflict resolution and miscommunication patterns between different cultural groups.
Excerpt from the Book
4.6. Chronemics
The term chronemics is defined as “how human beings communicate through their use of time” (TUBBS/MOSS:113). People say time is saved, spent, wasted, made up, slowed down or running out. These expressions expose our perception of time. Everything we do is interwoven with time. Time is conceived as an tacit determinant or frame on which everything else is built on (HALL 1989:19). Humans are hardly aware how their social and business life is shaped according to their concept of time. Hall states: time “influences subtly in depth how we think“(HALL 1989:21). The prevailing patterns of time designate when one should eat, work, sleep or play. Life stages and religion are closely related to the sense of time (TING-TOOMEY:113). When one does something is of importance and even shapes the meaning of what one is doing. A call in the morning or late at night is interpreted differently than a call at daytime. “All cultures organize themselves around their conceptions of time” (HAMPDEN-TURNER:295). Through and over time cultures reveal themselves. Time patterns differ not only between cultures but even between regions, families, men, women and members of different status or occupation. Nevertheless people are hardly aware of their own timeframe. Just in contact with other cultures - who treat time differently – they realize the meaning of time. Concepts of time which seem to be totally natural for one’s own culture are artificial for other cultures.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical background of nonverbal communication studies and states the paper's focus on the role of space in human behavior.
2. Defining nonverbal communication: Discusses the inherent ambiguity of defining nonverbal communication and examines various scholarly perspectives on whether all behavior is communicative.
3. Relationship between nonverbal and verbal behaviour: Analyzes how nonverbal cues can substitute, illustrate, or contradict verbal messages and highlights the difficulty of correcting nonverbal signals.
4. Forms of nonverbal communication: Provides an overview of various communication channels including physical appearance, paralanguage, kinesics, haptics, oculesics, chronemics, and proxemics.
5. Communicating emotions – Black and White styles in conflict: Explores universal versus culture-specific displays of emotion and examines how different cultural styles (Black and White) can lead to interpersonal tension.
6. Synopsis: Concludes that nonverbal communication is essential for understanding social meaning and emphasizes that intercultural competence is vital to avoid miscommunication.
Keywords
Nonverbal Communication, Kinesics, Proxemics, Chronemics, Haptics, Paralanguage, Intercultural Communication, Social Space, Emotional Expression, Conflict Talk, Culture Relativism, Interactional Synchrony, Behavioral Norms, Cultural Identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
This work examines the extensive field of nonverbal communication, emphasizing how various nonverbal cues function as a means of social interaction and how they are shaped by cultural frameworks.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The paper covers the definition of nonverbal communication, its link to verbal behavior, specific forms such as proxemics and chronemics, and the role of nonverbal cues in emotional expression and intercultural conflict.
What is the core objective of the paper?
The aim is to provide an overview of the various nonverbal communication forms and to specifically highlight the role of space and time in shaping human behavior and cultural interactions.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The research relies on an interdisciplinary literature review, synthesizing anthropological and sociolinguistic theories to analyze nonverbal cues and their impact on human communication.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body details the different communication channels (Kinesics, Haptics, etc.), explains the concepts of time (monochronic vs. polychronic) and space, and investigates conflict patterns between different cultural groups.
Which keywords define this paper?
Key terms include nonverbal communication, proxemics, chronemics, intercultural communication, and cultural display rules.
How does the author define 'Proxemics'?
Proxemics is defined as the study of how human beings communicate through their use of space, a concept coined by E.T. Hall to describe how culture influences spatial perception.
What is the distinction between 'monochronic' and 'polychronic' time?
Monochronic time is viewed as linear and segmented, emphasizing schedules and task orientation, whereas polychronic time is situational and relationship-oriented, prioritizing human interaction over strict punctuality.
Why can nonverbal behavior lead to conflict in intercultural settings?
Conflict arises because individuals are often unaware of their own nonverbal "rules" and tend to interpret foreign nonverbal behavior as rude or illogical, leading to misinterpretation and mistrust.
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- Juliane Krueger (Autor:in), 2005, Nonverbal Communication, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/54811
