Non- verbal communication refers to the kind of
communication without the use of spoken language. Different
scholars defined non –verbal communication as follows;
Burgoon and Saine [1978] .Defined non-verbal communiation is
the attributes or actions of human other than the use of words
themselves which have socially shared meaning are
antentionally sent or interpreted as intentionally, are
consiousily,subconsciousily and have a potential for feedback
from the receiver. Also according to our discussion non-verbal
communication refer to the communication without use of
spoken language. Also culture is the total way of people’s life.
These includes customs,language,beliefs,history,arts and
traditions. It is true that non-verbal communication is
controlled by culture because of how different people
around the world interpret actions in social interaction .Nonverbal communication is different from person to person and
especially from one culture to another. The following are the
types or forms of non-verbal communication;
Body movement and posture. This is the way
people hold their bodies and total positioning. Example sitting
,standing, walking etc. Example in the African culture when you
speak to a parent while putting your hands in the pocket it
shows disrespect. Also if a person doesnot face you while
talking this means that a person is nervous ,shy or doesn’t want
to talk to you.
Proxemics. Physical space ,this involves
physical distance between people. Physical distance determine
different message example intimacy,dominance,aggression.
Also comfortable person distance depends on culture,social
situation , type of transaction , gender and individual
preference. Good example in middle eastern culture people like
to go near to others to talk is normal to them . But in Africa
especially a boy or girl cannot talk while he or she is near by
mother or father in law.
Facial expression. According to Jack’s doctoral
thesis is the image we see in our mind’s eye when we think
about what a fearful or happy face looks like. Facial expression
are shown to be similar all over the world . Face shows
feelings, emotions and attitudes and these can be determined
by culture. Example surprise, fear, happiness, sadness, anger
and disgust.
Paralanguage. This refers to non-verbal cues of
the voice, voice communicate beyond words. Example tone,
pitch, rate , volume, rhythm etc. Paralanguage may change the
meaning of words . Example if someone apologies , but they
uise loud voice ,we donot believe if they are sincerely sorry .
but when he or she uses soft voice we know that they are
indeed sorry. In our culture a child cannot use a loud voice or
tone when speaking to the parents or eldery this is because it
shows disrespect to them and in our culture it is unacceptable.
Clothing and other artifacts. These includes
dressings ,jewelry, watches, shoes, hats etc. They communicare
age, gender, status, class, group membership, personality.
Example in our culture wearing a short skirt going to church is
prohibited. Also talking to an elderly person wearing a hat is
not proper in our culture , this is because it shows disrespect to
them.
Generally, non- verbal communication is
controlled by a culture . There are benefits of non-verbal
communication in our life example it humanizes
communication ,it reveals a person attitude .