Hocus Pocus

Body Language Awareness in a Cross-Cultural World

Have you been asked many times to appear for jury duty, yet you’ve never been selected to serve?  Do you wonder why?  Perhaps, it’s not what you say, but how you say it.

Most behaviorists agree that interpersonal communication is significantly affected by our body language. In his international best-seller book, Emotional Intelligence, author Daniel Goleman claims that 90 percent of our emotions are expressed nonverbally.

According to Elizabeth Kuhnke, author of Body Language for Dummies, “The science of body language is a fairly recent study, dating primarily from around 60 years ago, although body language itself is, of course, as old as humans.”  Today in less than a century’s time, we see an increasingly diverse workplace and Internet communications effectively shrinking our global reach. Therefore, we see the need for body language awareness increasing in direct proportion, as well.

Back to jury duty and the courtroom, Houston trial lawyer Jacalyn Scott offers an interesting insight into courtroom body language and how nonverbal cues play a significant role in a trial situation:

Interpretation of body language is important to all trial lawyers.  Not just during jury selection but throughout the trial. Reading people and their reaction to scenes, words, demonstrative exhibits and witnesses provides critical information to the observant attorney.  It is an essential skill that allows lawyers to adjust their presentations as the trial progresses.  Lawyers are —- or should be  —-  also aware of the fact that they are constantly being watched by the jurors and the lawyer's body language communicates to the jury as well. 

Most people not involved in the legal profession probably agree with this verdict. Staying out of courtrooms and avoiding these sorts of self-conscious, body-reading experiences is a preferred course of action.

Body Language Affects Cross-Cultural Communications

In the regular business world, though, given today’s diversity and the shrinking of our global village, we have an unprecedented challenge.  More than ever before, the American workforce needs to be educated and sensitized to the subtleties of body language, including those silent, yet potentially powerful, gestures. 

As more of us cross cultural borders in the workplace, we need to be respectful and mindful of how we come across to others.  For instance, someone traveling to Europe on business may offend someone in Austria by chewing gum.  (Perhaps, stateside, too; my American-citizen sister is annoyed when I chew gum.) 

Also, when a woman meets an Austrian man at a restaurant, he may kiss her hand and walk in front of her to the table. He takes the lead in this situation because he wants to make sure the environment is acceptable. Nice.  I like that sort of chivalry myself. No problem there; however…

To avoid potential misunderstandings or hurt feelings, Americans need to be aware about differences in cultural body language.  For instance people from Bangladesh may consider a “thumb up” gesture (the American equivalent to saying “Great!”) as a serious insult. In fact, the “thumb up” gesture is also considered rude and even obscene in places like Nigeria and Sydney, Australia.

Universally speaking, there are some near-absolutes in body language—but even those have exceptions.  For instance, it is globally unacceptable to pat or pinch someone on the derrière.  However, professional sports fans do occasionally see hefty linebackers or cheetah-like soccer players patting a teammate’s fanny. As an unspoken rule, though, it is never too long of a pat. Certainly, a long lingering pat on the fanny would make most sports fans demand for a referee whistle and call — too much time lingering or something like that.

When in Doubt, Just Applaud…or Ask

While it is practically impossible to know and understand all the universal gestures and what they mean, it is probably best to ask when something is not understood.  Bryan Pawlik, a marketing specialist with Administaff, lived and studied in China for three years. He is returning this summer to complete his Master’s degree. Bryan recalls a few examples of cultural differences and how adjustments can be made, once people are aware of them.

In China, when a speaker or performer claps at the same time an audience claps, it is interpreted as a thank you or mutual appreciation. This often happens during company meetings and formal gatherings. In America, this gesture might be perceived as impolite or arrogant. 

My favorite is the staring. Being a foreigner in China, this (behavior) would drive me absolutely crazy. However, while I thought it was rude, it was just simple curiosity from the Chinese perspective and not intended to be perceived as impolite.

Ways to Learn about Body Language and Cultural Differences

Meanwhile, I found the What’s Up with Culture website informative and fun.  Offered primarily as a tool to help college students or workers learn how to prepare for international travel, it is organized by modules. It also provides insights for exploring various aspects of intercultural communication, including nonverbal styles and forms.

Some modules include amusing examples of how easily Americans can be misunderstood.  For instance, some Americans who consider burping gross and rude may find that some cultures consider it a “breech of manners and impolite not to burp” after a meal.  Can we reprogram ourselves to eat and burp? 

Our “global village” world is a fascinating place, and the cultures are blending more and more every day.  We can learn about, enjoy and accept the differences…or, we might run the risk of being misunderstood and possibly shunned. 

As they say in France, “Le savoir vivre!”

Have you been asked many times to appear for jury duty, yet you’ve never been selected to serve?  Do you wonder why?  Perhaps, it’s not what you say, but how you say it.