The ability to transmit non-verbal communication by adjusting the position of the body has been explored in the essay. Also, cultural differences can be swiftly communicated through body language. According to the author, cultural differences usually exist within individual countries and also between the local and foreign countries. A case in point is the difference in physical and business intimacy between the Middle East and the American people.
Personal space is highly respected or dignified in both cultures, even though individuals from both regions treat each other with a lot of suspicions. The difference in physical intimacy is also evident between males and females who reside within a common geographical space (Gardner 19). In most instances, females tend to be attracted more easily to males.
The ordinary classroom environment has also witnessed the prevalence of cultural differences. It is interesting to mention that direct eye contact is even being taught in several American classrooms. Students are supposed to maintain direct eye contact with their teachers. The latter practice is considered to be a lack of respect for teachers in most Asian cultures. Breaking a direct eye contact may be considered as an insult by an American teacher.
From the article, it can be concluded that the Japanese people do not use a lot of direct eye contact compared to typical Americans. Second, several North European cultures may find it more difficult to conjure at close range than the South Americans. Physical contact among the Saudis is more elaborate than it is the case with the Americans.
Also, Americans tend to dislike the habit of walking side by side down the streets while holding hands. However, Saudi Arabians tend to admire the practice (Gardner 20).
In general, a greater distance is maintained by the male than the female gender. Besides, direct and sustained eye contact is more common among women than men. In the case of the Americans, gestures are vastly used to pass non-verbal communication. However, sense perception is used by most Asian cultures to transmit communication and also comprehend the needs of other people.
For an Asian to communicate effectively without talking, he or she may move as close as possible to the other person. Moreover, stopping direct eye contact is the most effective way through which an Asian student can demonstrate respect to tutors within a classroom environment.
The relevance of intercultural studies is the main theme presented in this piece of writing. The author has used the term ‘body’ differently. Gender differences have also been discussed, especially about cultural interaction (Gardner 21). The author asserts that cultural interaction has been precipitated by the concept of the global village. The pace at which cultures across the world are diffusing is very high.
North American’s spatial patterns indicate that a loud voice is mainly preferred during formal communication. A full voice is mostly used in social occasions when the conversing individuals are between 4 to 12 feet apart. A soft voice is used for personal communications.
The latter may be coupled with a slight handshake. Finally, intimate communications are mainly done through whispers by people who share close emotional relationships. The distance between people who are emotionally-tied together is usually zero to about 18 inches. Most private or confidential intimate discussions are usually carried out within a very close range (Gardner 22).
Works Cited
Gardner, Peter. New Directions: Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005. Print.