Nonverbal Messages

Significance of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is a very influential part of how people share messages across the world. Nonverbal communication can express messages with more depth and meaning than words can. nonverbal language of a particular culture is important to understand because nonverbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions and eye contact carry strong meaning and can differ across cultures. Understanding a culture's nonverbal communication can help to avoid misunderstandings and helps to communicate within that culture more effectively. It also helps to show respect to that culture and demonstrates cultural awareness. Understanding nonverbal language of a different culture is key for communicating clearly and respectfully. Nonverbal cues such as gestures, eye contact and personal space can have completely different meanings across different cultures. This stands a big obstacle toward understanding nonverbal language from a different culture. Stereotypes and preconceived notions that one may have about a particular group or culture may distort how a person interprets nonverbal communication from people of that culture. Contextual misunderstandings and language barriers also play a role in making it difficult to understand nonverbal messages from people. 

Nonverbal Cues

Japan is known for having a traditional culture and unique nonverbal cues. A  gesture that is an important nonverbal cue in Japanese culture is bowing. In Japan bowing is a traditional and respectful gesture that is used as a way to show gratitude, respect and is a way to apologize. It is often used as a way to show respect to elders and people in higher positions. Bowing can also be used for greeting and parting from people. The depth and duration of the bow can convey different meanings depending on the context of a situation and the relationship between the individuals. A more shallow bow is used in informal situations while a deeper bow is more formal and considered more respectful. In Japanese culture bowing also has a specific protocol. It is typical that a person of lower status bows first and the person of higher status bows last. Different from many cultures I have experienced, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect and humility in Japanese culture. Indirect eye contact is the norm in Japan while direct eye contact is seen as being intimidating . Indirect eye contact is even common when speaking to elders or people of higher ranking. Maintaining prolonged eye contact is seen as confrontational and assertive. Looking slightly downward or at another part of someone's face such as their chin is a sign of respect . 

• An example of bowing

 In Japanese culture personal space is somewhat dependent on the environment, but personal space and physical distance is typically valued in Japan. Physical distance can be difficult to avoid in crowded public spaces. There is limited physical touch in Japanese culture as bodily contact is often kept to a minimum in private spaces. Interactions are more reserved and formal due to physical distance showing politeness. Touch during casual interactions in the U.S is much more acceptable than it is in Japanese culture. It is very common for people in the U.S to shake hands during greetings, hug and give pats on the back throughout interactions. Touch is even common between strangers interacting in the U.S. Families and friends usually hug and even kiss each other's cheeks at times. As described earlier, physical touch is very limited within interactions in Japan. Handshakes and hugs are uncommon during everyday interactions in Japan and people keep their distance while speaking. 

Japan can be seen as both a monochronic and polychronic culture. Japan is seen as a mix because they often have varying length of work days, but have strict deadlines and value punctuality.  In Japan agendas can be more flexible, they are often multitasking and they prefer face-to-face interactions in the workplace. These qualities portray a polychronic culture. Order, deadlines and punctually are taken very seriously though. It's important to be on time as arriving late is seen as being rude and inconsiderate in Japan. 

It's important to understand how a different culture uses nonverbal communication and organizes time, especially if you plan on visiting the country or interacting with people of that culture. Differences with communication can vary across cultures and that's why it is important to have a good understanding of what these differences can look like. It's important to learn these differences so that you can be respectful toward  different cultures. Much of what we communicate happens without words, that is why it's important to be aware nonverbal communication and cues and how it can differ across the world.