Week #7, post #2

Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give examples of some of the nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries? If you have moved around within this country have you ever encountered regional differences in nonverbal meaning?

Derogatory gestures easily come to mind when thinking of nonverbal, and sometimes even verbal communication miscommunications. I think that insults are largely dependent on culture, as they are usually not universal. From my work at a hotel, I remember a time when I witnessed a business introduction between a Japanese businessman and an American businessman. The Japanese gentleman bowed to the American, and the American did not bow back. The Japanese gentlemen seemed very taken back by the events, and actually walked away from the American. The American was taken back by the whole event, and thought it was the Japanese gentleman’s fault that the meeting did not happen.