I have noticed that nonverbal behavior may mean different things in different cultures. I grew up in Poland and came to the United States as an adult. I noticed that Americans have more physical space around them when they talk. In Poland, this might be considered rude by some people. Usually people during conversations touch each other, such as patting an arm. I have not seen this in an American culture.
Also, Europeans tend to use kissing on the cheek as a greeting, but many Americans seem uncomfortable with this custom. On the other hand, hugging is a common greeting for some Americans. This is not as common among Europeans. Usually, these differences in customs do not lead to misunderstandings, although some people may feel a little uncomfortable. However, my friend travels for business and has told about some misunderstandings he has seen in other countries. On one trip to Korea, an American business man rested the side of his shoe against the table during a break in the meeting. The bottom of his shoe was facing some of the Koreans. Apparently, this was considered very disrespectful and the Koreans refused to continue the meeting with that person in the room.
As I have traveled around the United States, I have noticed that the large cities on the coast (like San Francisco) tend to be more open to nonverbal behavior from other cultures. I assume this is because there is more immigration in these areas and a greater mix of cultures.
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Hi Maisy! Great post on how cultures have different nonverbal communication and gestures. I believe that it would be very hard to travel from country to country, especially for business, and have to learn what appropriate nonverbal communication is. There are universal signs for nonverbal communication, but on the other hand, for example, a handshake is not something that is done in every country. I can't imagine how the President of the United States can keep every country’s cultures straight. I guess that is what his assistants are for!
ReplyDeleteWhat great insight on this question! I think that you are totally right on the nose with the greeting customs of Americans verse Europeans. However, I would say that there are some areas in the United States that might follow the European style of greeting a little more than the more American standard. I think this usually happens in places that see a lot more immigrants. For example I have a lot of family in Los Angeles, and this is how everyone seems to greet each other there. I think it could also happen in New York, Miami, etc.
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