Download Social Psychology Solution Assignment 03 Yes I agree with the

Social Psychology
Solution Assignment 03
Yes I agree with the statement that Cultural differences are found in many non
verbal cues.
What are non verbal communications?
Non-verbal communication consists of all the messages other than words that are used in
communication. In oral communication, these symbolic messages are transferred by
means of intonation, tone of voice, vocally produced noises, body posture, body gestures,
facial expressions or pauses.
Culture differences are also manifested in many forms of nonverbal cues. Some examples
are given below:
 Shaking hands: In North American culture people with firm handshakes tend to
be more extraverted, adventurous, and less neurotic and shy than those with weak
handshakes (William Chaplin et al., 2000). Firm grip in America shows
confidence and warmth, while Asians and Middle Eastern prefer a gentle grip and
a firm grip shows aggressiveness. On the other hand, Japanese greet by bowing.
 Touching: It has been often reported that Americans and Asians are not touch
oriented as compared to other cultures.
 Space relationships: North Americans are reported to prefer a distance of about 30
inches; Asians like it farther apart; Middle Eastern stand nearer, and moving away
may be considered as a sign of unfriendliness
 Eye contact: In North America direct eye contact is considered a sign of
confidence, while in Korea and some parts of Pakistan direct eye contact is
considered very intimidating, and may sometime be an indicator of sexual
interest. Usually in traditional cultures, females are taught to avert eye gaze.
 Paralanguage: Vocal qualifiers (volume, pitch, rhythm, tempo, and tone).
Loudness indicates strength in Arabic cultures and softness indicates weakness;
indicates confidence and authority to the Germans, indicates impoliteness to the
Thais; indicates loss of control to the Japanese. Generally, one learns not to
“shout” in Asia for nearly any reason. Gender Based Women tend to speak higher
and more softly than men. Vocal Segregates (un-huh, shh, uh, ooh, mmmh,
humm, eh, mah, lah). Segregates indicate formality, acceptance, assent,
uncertainty.
 Facial Expressions: It is considered by majority that facial expressions have
similar meanings world-wide with respect to smiling, crying, or showing anger,
sorrow, or disgust. However, the intensity varies from culture to culture. For
example, Many Asian cultures suppress facial expression as much as possible.
Many Mediterranean (Latino / Arabic) cultures exaggerate grief or sadness while
most American men hide grief or sorrow. Some see “animated” expressions as a
sign of a lack of control. Too much smiling is viewed in as a sign of shallowness.
Women smile more than men.