Cultural Differences in Body Language Essay Example for Free

Cultural Differences in Body spoken communication EssayDo you know what I am doing? (thumbs up to the side Hitch hiking). When I do this, most of you would think it means good job. But in the middle east, for example in Iran, its an insult similar to the middle finger. Good evening Madam Toastmaster, fellow toastmasters and guests, this evening lets look at bole language in different shades. Do you break that intercommunicates screwing top as effectively as words? I agree. Some capacity argue, it possibly even more than words. However we must be aw ar different culture has different body language.Therefore, in our individualal and business lives, close consideration must be given to whom we are with and where they are from. A question that we might ask is do we expect other cultures to adapt to our customs and protocol, or are we willing to make an extra effort to learn more almost how they prefer to communicate? It wouldnt be the first time that someone who wasnt familiar with the communication customs of another democracy, found themselves in a rather embarrassing situation.Many years ago, President Richard Nixon arrived in a foreign democracy. Upon his arrival, he stood at the top of the stairs leading from his aircraft door, and overlooked the welcoming crowd gathered below him. He smiled and proudly raised both hands high in the air, palms facing outward and gave a movement of his trademark famous Peace sign (as he had done many times before fleck travelling abroad). However the crown immediately began to jeer and hiss at the President, and he found himself on the receiving end of a hostile and rude welcome.Could you imagine how he felt? The reason was because in the country he was visiting, the two fingered, palms outward Peace sign, which was acceptable in North America, was an absolutely offensive gesticulate to the local people in that African country. This would have been the equivalent of a president from another country visi ting New Zealand, and with a smile, flipped the bird which in their country might have meant greetings. As a member of the audience, how might you react?In North America, a simple thumbs up gesture can mean that things are great or a hitchhiking sign which indicates I need a ride. However, in Greece, this gesture signifies up yours when accompanied with a rapid upward and slower downward motion. The gesture for YES is frequently thought to be universal, however in India they wobble their heads from side to side to say yes. Correct me if Im wrong my Indian friends. There are also variations in saying no. In Greece they toss their head up.In Japan, they wave their hands in front of their nose like ur gesture for stinky. Or, how about the OK sign where the index finger and the thumb connect to make an O figure and the three remaining fingers point up and slightly flare out. Although acceptable in Western culture to signal that things are A-OK, in Russia or Turkey, this gesture can re present a sexual insult. specifically an orifice (thats as far as Ill go with that). In China you may determine two men walk hand in hand or with an arm around anothers shoulder. This is a sign of friendship. However, the situation is regarded as homosexual in American culture.In some countries such as France or Italy, it is acceptable to exchange a kiss on one or both cheeks opus shaking hands when greeting one another. In other countries such as Japan, this type of deportment is considered impolite as the Nipponese are considered to be a non-touch society relative to other cultures. The Japanese have a respectful custom to bow to each other. The most senior status person bows the least and the least status person having to bow first and display the deepest bend from the waist. Business cards are exchanged and read first in a complex formality.This ritual is to determine the seniority, bureau or rank of everyone in the room first. Then the bowing gesture commences based on th e instruction read. For example, lets say Tony Cooper is the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors in Japan. I am a low department manager from Fonterathe process is So as you can see, it is really important to know your audience. If you are traveling to other countries, you need to be aware that some of the most commonly acceptable gestures at home can have a completely different meaning to someone from abroad.Demonstrating a wakeless knowledge of the cultural differences in nonverbal communication will get you noticed and others will consider that you are both respectful and prepared. Tonight youve learnt as least one thing be careful if you thumb a ride in Greece O Take the time and invest in a little interrogation to become culturally educated. By doing this you will be able to Save the embarrassment. (i. e. Be careful if you thumb a ride in Greece O) Gain the competitive edge.A little research can go a long way prior to traveling abroad on business. surely it helps if you are willing to make an extra effort to learn more about how they prefer to communicate. As the saying goes, In Rome, do like the Romans do. Get to know your audience and their customs. Remember in business, its about being prepared and establishing rapport quickly. Understanding body language in different culture might be the very thing that tips the scales in your favor and will give you the competitive edge youre looking for for.