Monday, March 5, 2012
Week 6 - Post 2
Nonverbal messages can definitely be interpreted contrarily in different cultures. For example, I am Italian and in my culture, touch is a nonverbal sign of affection, such as hugs and kisses or even a touch on the arm. We usually use this type of nonverbal communication to accentuate our verbal messages, but there are times when our touch is not accompanied by a verbal message. We use touch to signify our love for someone, even if that person is only a close friend, but in other countries and cultures, people like their space and privacy and can be territorial. Also, other cultures see touch as a romantic gesture, and it is considered scandalous if you give a big hug to someone you are not pursuing. Although touch can take on many different meanings in any culture, it depends on how friendly the gesture is. Different types of touches such as on the arm could be considered flirty in one culture, offensive in another, and a sign of friendship in a different culture.
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I like how you you used touched as a nonverbal sign. I agree that nonverbal messages vary from all cultures. And in italy they do use touch as a sign of affection more then other countries. My example I used in my post was how kissing is a form of greeting. Many countries it is normal to kiss people on each cheek when greeting them. In America, that isn't as popular and isn't really accepted. It is very true how you pointed out the different levels of touch in certain countries. What is accepted in one might not be the same in another.
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