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 Key Themes
This paper aims to provide an overview of nonverbal communication, focusing on its various forms and its relationship with verbal communication. It explores the complexities of defining nonverbal communication and examines the interplay between verbal and nonverbal cues in communication.
- Defining and understanding nonverbal communication
- The relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication
- Different forms of nonverbal communication
- The role of nonverbal communication in conveying emotions
- Proxemics as a key aspect of nonverbal communication
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the significance of nonverbal communication, highlighting its prevalence in daily interactions and its substantial contribution to the overall meaning conveyed in human encounters (up to 65%). It traces the historical development of the study of nonverbal communication, noting its relatively recent emergence as a distinct field of research, contrasting with the earlier emphasis on verbal communication. The chapter also outlines the paper's scope, focusing on providing an overview of nonverbal communication while emphasizing the importance of proxemics.
2. Defining nonverbal communication: This chapter delves into the challenges of defining nonverbal communication, emphasizing the lack of a universally accepted definition due to its ambiguity and cultural variations. It explores different perspectives on what constitutes nonverbal communication, examining the roles of intent, consciousness, and awareness in defining communicative acts. The chapter highlights contrasting viewpoints regarding the intentionality and shared meaning required for communication, illustrating the complexities and ongoing debates within the field.
3. Relationship between nonverbal and verbal behaviour: This chapter examines the intricate relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication, rejecting the outdated notion of their independence. It explores how nonverbal cues can function independently, as substitutes for verbal messages (emblems), or in conjunction with verbal messages, either complementing or contradicting them (kinesic slips, illustrators, regulators). The chapter also contrasts the operational differences between verbal and nonverbal communication, highlighting the lack of meta-communication capabilities in nonverbal communication and its significant role in shaping initial impressions.
Keywords
Nonverbal communication, proxemics, verbal communication, kinesics, paralanguage, haptics, oculesics, olfactics, chronemics, communication, meaning, interaction, culture, misunderstanding, emblems, illustrators, regulators.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Nonverbal Communication
What is the main focus of this language preview?
This preview offers a comprehensive overview of nonverbal communication, examining its various forms, its relationship with verbal communication, and its role in conveying emotions. It particularly emphasizes proxemics as a key aspect of nonverbal communication.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a definition of nonverbal communication, the relationship between verbal and nonverbal behavior, different forms of nonverbal communication (physical appearance, paralanguage, kinesics, haptics, oculesics, olfactics, chromatics, chronemics, and proxemics), communicating emotions, and a synopsis.
What are the key objectives and themes explored?
The key objectives are to define and understand nonverbal communication, explore the relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication, examine different forms of nonverbal communication, analyze the role of nonverbal communication in conveying emotions, and highlight proxemics as a crucial aspect.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction establishes the significance of nonverbal communication. Chapter 2 discusses the challenges of defining nonverbal communication. Chapter 3 examines the intricate relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication, highlighting their interdependence. Further chapters delve into specific forms of nonverbal communication.
What are the key forms of nonverbal communication discussed?
The preview covers a wide range of nonverbal communication forms, including physical appearance, paralanguage (vocal cues), kinesics (body language), haptics (touch), oculesics (eye contact), olfactics (smell), chromatics (color), chronemics (time), and proxemics (space).
How is the relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication described?
The preview rejects the outdated notion of their independence, exploring how nonverbal cues can function independently, substitute verbal messages, or complement/contradict verbal messages. It emphasizes the role of nonverbal communication in shaping initial impressions.
What is the significance of proxemics?
Proxemics, the study of personal space, is highlighted as a key aspect of nonverbal communication, emphasizing its importance in understanding human interaction and communication.
What keywords are associated with this preview?
Keywords include nonverbal communication, proxemics, verbal communication, kinesics, paralanguage, haptics, oculesics, olfactics, chronemics, communication, meaning, interaction, culture, misunderstanding, emblems, illustrators, and regulators.
What is the overall tone and style of the preview?
The preview adopts a structured and professional tone, aiming to provide a comprehensive and academically rigorous overview of nonverbal communication.
- Quote paper
- Juliane Krueger (Author), 2005, Nonverbal Communication, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/54811
