* 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?
One of the things that I realized when I moved to the U.S. is that Americans do not express their feelings as Brazilians do. For instance, Brazilians kiss on greeting/saying goodbye. A Brazilian man only shakes hands with another man and a Brazilian woman kisses another woman at the face. Another nonverbal display I noticed is that Brazilians are very tactile, if compared to Americans.
I had a hard time to get used to saying hi/goodbye just shaking hands, instead of giving my usual social little kiss. Sometimes I am still afraid of being misinterpreted. As claimed by Trenholm (2008), “with all its complexities, the nonverbal system is a powerful source of information as well as a powerful source of misunderstanding” (p. 136). So I act cautiously. Only when I feel really comfortable with someone I kiss or touch a person’s arm. Nowadays, all my American friends are used to my Brazilian nonverbal expressions. It is funny and rewarding seeing them embracing and sometimes adopting my culture.
Ibirapuera
W16 - Discussion Question # 3
16 years ago
I liked your example about the differences between the way Americans interact in comparison to the rest of the world. Americans are known for being a lot louder than people from other countries, but they'll also think that kissing people on both cheeks goodbye is "weird" or "strange."
ReplyDeleteThe way that people adopt other people's customs, like your friends with your customs, kind of reminds me of how Americans are told not to "act American" when they travel abroad. They distinguish themselves as outsiders much more quickly that way.
Nonverbal behavior can be a main source of misinterpretation between cultures, and I think you did a good job emphasizing that in your post.
Hi Katla,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your words. :)
Regardless of one's nationality, I believe everyone just wants to feel embraced at home or abroad. I have seeing lots of American tourists trying to fit into the Brazilian culture, as well as Brazilians trying to fit into the American culture. It is interesting to seeing people appreciating diversity.
Ibirapuera