Assignment 3

Learning other countries’ nonverbal communication would not only be assistance for communicating, but also is a way to appreciate a diverse culture. During almost three weeks staying at United States, I have noticed some differences and similarities between China and America.

Gestures, based on my experience, are often used by Westerns. I still can remember, a same English word, dinosaur, the foreigner teacher disguised himself as a Wyvern, and tried hard to extend his neck, hoping us could remember one of important figures that a Wyvern has. Nevertheless, our Chinese English teacher only took some pictures and described its characteristic by speaking.

Moreover, ways of eye contact has a significant inverse meaning between the two countries. Chinese do not often directly look at others’ eyes when talking with them, because that would be considered rude and lack culture. However, in America, too little eye contact would be thought unfriendly by the person you communicate with, because eye contact is the way to respect him or her and show your participation in this conversation.

There are also some similarities in USA and China. For example, when people have no idea how to solve problems, they will shrug their shoulders. Also, “thumb up” has a same meaning, good job, in both China and America. And body space, both of Chinese and Americans keep some kind of distance from strangers, and would be closer to their friends.

Under different cultures’ background, it is understandable that people has a various nonverbal communication. Chinese culture emphasizes that people should be modest and have a collective spirit, so overdoing gestures are not welcomed. However, America is a country promotes personal values, there is no underlying culture or social rules to restrict the way of showing self point of view.
Overall, from my point of view, a country’s nonverbal communication is somewhat based on the country’s culture. So it is rather important to master the meaning of those gestures. Following the customs will help foreigners to communicate with local people.