跨文化交际中肢体语言的区别

淮阴工学院

课程论文（2010-2011学年第二学期）

论文题目: The Applications of Body language In The Cross-Cultural Communication

课程名称：跨文化交际任课老师：刘玉君

姓名: 顾欣云

班级: 财管1092 学号: 1091806206

The Applications of Body Language In The Cross-Cultural

Communication

Abstract As human beings, we can communicate with others through three means: language, voice and body language. Body language, being a unique communication way plays an irreplaceable role in language communication in our daily life. The classification of body language is very complicated, mainly refers to the body's movement and expression, Which can strengthen, replenish language expression, and make the language information shapely. But in different culture, the meaning of body language is not completely the same. So we shall know the different body language in cross-cultural communication means and get a thorough understanding about the cultural diversity.

Key words cross-cultural communication; body language; meaning; diversity

1 Introduction

In recent years, with the the pace of reform and opening up to the outside world speeding up, especially since China join in the WTO, foreign affairs have become increasing frequently, cross-cultural communication between a lot of countries is more and more extensive, body language of communication also has a very great impact. But as a result of different people in different environment, and their respective language environment leads to a different language habits, social culture, and many other environmental factors, but in the inner world of ourselves, we has certain similarities and regular patterns. So in different culture background,the meaning of people's body language expresses will also be different. If the body language information processes very bad which can produce embarrass and happen unimaginable consequences,it may be seriously, so we should understand foreign commonly used body language, in order to avoid causing misunderstanding. This article will elaborate the function of the distance, eye contact, gestures in the cross-cultural communication, and find out the similarities and differences, eliminate

the exist cultural barriers in cross-cultural communication for people to have better communication.

2 The Study of Body Language In Cross-Cultural Communication

2.1 The distance

At an international conference, two professors,one Latin, and the other American, were talking shop. Throughout the conversation, the Latin kept advancing while the American kept retreating until the American had his back against a wall. The underlying reason for his lies in the different body distance each of them prefers. The Latin did not feel comfortable unless he was very close to the American, and the American, on the contrary, did not feel at ease unless the distance was greater. In this example, we can know the distance of the both is the key. While people of different nations are talking, for them with different opinions to keep how long distance is appropriate. According to the research, it is said that in the United States social or business talking, four major types of distances express four different situation: intimate distance, personal distance, social distance, public distance. Talking close between the two sides, the distance is from 0 to about 45 centimeters, is suit for the most intimate occasions, such as the relation of couple; The distance of conversation among friends, acquaintances or relatives is generally from 45 to 80 centimeters apart which is advisable; For people who work together or do business, both sides are apart from 1.30 meters to 3 meters; In public,it is farther than 2 or 3 meters, generally for speakers in public and for teachers in classrooms. And, of course, leave too far away from others may be weird, but too close will make people feel uncomfortable, except some otherwise reasons, such as show love or encourage each other, but this is another thing. In English speaking countries, talk between general friends and acquaintances should avoid contacting with each other's any part of the body, ever if touch once may also cause adverse reactions. If one side accidentally touch each other, he or she will generally said: "sorry "; " Oh, I 'm sorry "; "Excuse me'' and some other apologize words.

2.2 Eye contact

As the saying goes:''Eyes are the windows of the soul'', without speaking eyes as