Download Dimensions of Intercultural Nonverbal Communication

Dimensions of Intercultural
Nonverbal Communication
Dimension
One Extreme
1. CONTEXT1
Core Value
Nonverbal Traits
Low Context
High Context
Freedom of speech, directness Silence, indirectness
Literal meaning, specific
Information in the physical context,
details, precise time schedules
or internalized in the person
Swiss, German, North American. China, Japan, Korea
Typical Cultures
2. IDENTITY2
Core Value
Nonverbal Traits
Typical Cultures
Individualism
Collectivism
Individual freedom
Group harmony
Proximally distant, different Proximally close, coordinated
schedules, expressive of
facial expressions and body
emotions
movements
U. S., Australia, Great Britain. Venezuela, Colombia, Pakistan
3. POWER DISTANCE3 Low Power Distance
Core Value
People’s equality
Nonverbal Traits
Located at high latitudes,
more tactile, relaxing and
clear vocalic cues
Typical Cultures
Austria, Israel, Denmark
4. GENDER4
Core Value
Nonverbal Traits
Typical Cultures
5. UNCERTAINTY5
Core Value
Nonverbal Traits
Typical Cultures
6. IMMEDIACY6
Core Value
Nonverbal Traits
Typical Cultures
The Other Extreme
High Power Distance
Respect for status
Located near the equator,
untouchable, regulated
nonverbal displays
Philippines, Mexico, Venezuela
Femininity
Masculinity
Caring for others
Material success
Relaxed and coordinated
High level of stress, loud,
vocal patterns, nurturing
aggressive
Sweden, Norway, Netherlands. Japan, Austria, Venezuela
Uncertainty Avoidance
Certainty, what is different
is dangerous
More emotional displays,
higher level of anxiety
Greece, Portugal, Belgium
Uncertainty Tolerance
Exploration, what is different
causes curiosity
More positive and friendly
to strangers
Singapore, Denmark, Sweden
Low Contact
Certainty, what is different
is dangerous
Located in cooler climates,
stand apart and touch less,
stay “cool”
Japan, China, Korea
High Contact
Exploration, what is different
causes curiosity
Located in warmer countries nearer
the equator, stand closer together
and touch more, expressive
North Africa, France, Brazil
p. 2
1. CONTEXT1
The degree to which communication is explicit and verbal or implicit and nonverbal.
2. IDENTITY2
The degree that society reinforces individual or collective achievement and interpersonal
relationships.
3. POWER DISTANCE3
The degree of equality or inequality between people in the country or society.
4. GENDER4
The degree of traditional gender role of achievement, control, and power.
5. UNCERTAINTY5
The degree of avoidance or tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity within the society.
6. IMMEDIACY6
The degree of closeness, intimacy, and availability for communication.
Andersen, Peter A. & Wang, Hua (2009). Beyond Language: Nonverbal Communication Across
Cultures. In Larry A. Samovar, Richard E. Porter, Edwin R. McDaniel (Eds.), Intercultural
Communication: A Reader (12th Edition). Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, pp. 264-281.
Summary Compilation by Ron Compton
Intercultural Communication
McHenry County College