Week 4- Body Language (I-A)
Our Journal – Communication Edition
Week 2 – February 21st
Idiom of the Week
Idiom: “Actions speak louder than words.”
Meaning: Nonverbal communication, like body language, often conveys more meaning than spoken words.
Example: In many cultures, a smile can say more than words—actions speak louder than words when it comes to expressing kindness.
Words of the Week: Pick Your Favorite! (8)
🔹 Gesture – A movement of the body, often the hands or head, that conveys a message or feeling.
Example: A thumbs-up gesture in some cultures means approval, but in others, it can have a completely different meaning.
🔹 Posture – The way someone holds their body, which can communicate confidence, attentiveness, or even discomfort.
Example: Her upright posture during the interview showed she was confident and engaged.
🔹 Eye Contact – Looking directly into someone’s eyes, which can signal attentiveness, honesty, or respect—though this varies by culture.
Example: In Western cultures, maintaining eye contact is seen as polite, but in some Asian cultures, it may be considered too direct.
🔹 Facial Expression – Movements of the face that convey emotions like happiness, sadness, or anger.
Example: His wide smile and raised eyebrows showed genuine excitement.
🔹 Proximity – The physical distance between people during communication, which can indicate comfort, familiarity, or cultural norms.
Example: In Latin American cultures, people may stand closer during conversations than those in Northern Europe.
🔹 Handshake – A form of greeting involving the grasping of hands, often used in professional or formal settings.
Example: A firm handshake in the United States suggests confidence, but in Japan, a bow is preferred.
🔹 Nod – A quick movement of the head, often used to signal agreement or understanding.
Example: In some cultures, nodding may mean “yes,” but in others, it might signal something different entirely.
🔹 Body Language – Nonverbal communication through physical behaviors and expressions.
Example: Understanding body language helps us pick up on unspoken cues in conversations.
Quote of the Week
“Your body speaks what words cannot.”
— Unknown
Book of the Week
“The Silent Language” by Edward T. Hall
📖 On Understanding Nonverbal Communication:
This classic book explores how cultures differ in their use of nonverbal communication, such as gestures, space, and body language. Hall’s insights help us navigate intercultural interactions more effectively.
✨ Key Takeaway:
Body language is a universal form of communication, but its meaning is shaped by culture. To communicate effectively across cultures, we must learn to read the “silent language” of others.
Fill in the Blanks – Exercise
Use the words from this week’s list to complete the sentences:
___________ can reveal emotions even when someone doesn’t say a word.
In some cultures, maintaining ___________ shows respect and attentiveness, while in others, it can feel too intense.
Learning about ___________ helps us navigate conversations with people from different backgrounds.
Journal of the Week – Try to Write and Bring It to Class!
Theme: Understanding Body Language Across Cultures
Write about a time when you noticed how body language differed between cultures. How did this observation help you communicate more effectively? Be sure to include at least three of the words from this week’s list. What did you learn about cultural differences and nonverbal communication?
