跨文化交际 期末论文 body language.doc

Body Language 跨文化交际期末论文姓名学号编号Body Language 1. IntroductionBody language is not language in the strict sense of the word language;it refers to,in fact,a broad term for forms of communication using body movements,gestures,facial expres-sions and eye behaviors in addition to sounds,verbal language,or other forms of communication.Some scholars treat body lan-guage as an equivalent to nonverbal communication.Although we may not realize it when we talk with others,we make ourselves understood not only by words.There are plenty of nonverbal communications around us everyday.In 1972,a research made by American linguists showed that only 35 percent communica-tion message is sent by verbal communication,while 65 percent is sent by nonverbal communication. （Wei jie,Cui Xue and Zhang Huili 238）It is obvious that nonverbal communication plays an important role in our communication.We can understand it well by some functions and different cul-tural instances of body language.2. Literature Collection2.1 Body language and culture shockIn English-speaking countries, physical contact is generally avoided in conversation among ordinary friends or acquaintances. Merely touching someone may cause an unpleasant reaction. If one touches another person accidentally, he/she has to utter an apology such as Sorry.Oh, Im sorry, Excuse me.In China, a common complaint of Western mothers is that Chinese often fondle their babies and very little children. Such behavior whether touching, patting. hugging or patting can be quite embarrassing and awkward for the mothers. They know that no harm is meant and that such gestures are merely signs of friendliness or affection; therefore they cant show their displeasure. On the other hand, such actions in their own culture would be considered rude, intrusive and offensive and could arouse a strong dislike and even repugnance. So the mothers often stand by and watch in awkward silence, with mixed emotions, even when the fondling is by Chinese friends or acquaintances.( Lv Xiaobo and Chen Yi 88)2.2 Ways to improve body languageAs we know that some body language is understood by all the peoples from different cultures.However,body language from different cultures has many differences because of different regions,races and cultural customs.And it is restricted by its culture and has different cultural connotations.That is to say,the same body language has different meaning in different cultures and has different social functions;on the contrary,different body languages may express the same meaning.In here I will put forward 18 principles of improving body language in communication to achieve efficient communication to avoid misunderstanding.18 Ways to Improve Your Body Langnage1) Dont cross your arms or leg；2) Have eye contact, but dont stare；3) Dont be afraid to take up some space4) Relax your shoulders;5) Nod when they are talking;6) Dont slouch; sit up straight;7) Lean, but not too much;8) Smile and laugh;9) Dont touch your face;10) Keep you head up11) Slow down a bit12) Dont fidget13) Use your hands more confidently14) Lower your drink15) Realize where you spine ends16) Dont stand too close17) Mirror18) Keep a good attitude(Li Linlin 187)2.3 Reflection of culture valueThese phenomenon shows that body language also reflect some kinds of culture value,which gose through the totally cross-cultural communication process.Culture value, though latent in the depth of thinking, it has an impact on peoples non-verbal communication. As long as we observe carefully and analyze their actions, cultural attitude and value will definitely emerge. This paper tries to analyze different nations culture values from the respect of kinesics, proxemics, chronemics, environment.( Forsdale L. 116)3. ConclusionAll above show that body language is very important to know the exact and precise meaning of our conversation.If we use body language we should use it in an appropriate way to make our conversation go smoothly.in the past decades,many linguists,sociologists,language teachers and communication specialists have done a lot of researches concerning nonverbal communication.But nonverbal communication is still a young science which needs to be studied further.This paper gives a general introduction of nonverbal communication and stresses its influence in communication,specially pointing the important role in different cultures.Successful communication among people concerns verbal behavior as well as nonverbal one.So in order to improve the quality of our communication,it is helpful to learn something about this important form of human communication.Works Cited1. Wei jie,Cui Xue and Zhang Huili. “The Importance of Body Language in Cultures”Overseas English, 2 (2011):2382. Lv Xiaobo and Chen Yi. “Body LanguageNonverbal Communications.” Journal of Wuxi South Ocean College 2(2002):88-89.3. Li Linl