Research 1 Communication (3 page double space of content + cover page + reference page= 5 pages) APA style
Abstract
In this paper, the use of nonverbal communication will be discussed. Specifically, I directed my attention to the use of kinesics in the Japanese and the American cultures when communicating. According to Bowman, Kinesics is defined as, “the use of body movements, facial expressions, and gestures to communicate with another person or a group of people” (2020). Various studies have been done before about the use of kinesics in society based on multiple cultures. Thus, it is essential to understand the different kinesic codes used in different cultures to reduce misunderstanding. Japanese and American culture share many similarities regarding kinesics, for instance, the index finger making a circular motion on the side of your head(temple) represents for both Americans and Japanese a symbol of craziness. Also, throughout this research I found out that in occasions cultures have differences regarding the nonverbal code. One example of these differences could be the Ok gesture for Americans in Japan has a different meaning representing money.
Non-verbal communication is defined as any behavior or characteristics that are intentionally or unintentionally used to convey a message or information without the use of verbal language. Non-verbal communication is significant in the communication process. It complements the verbal communication that is used by individuals. Face-to-face conversations is the most common channel in communicating non-verbally with others (Bowman, 2020). The prominent non-verbal codes are kinesics and proxemics. Among them, kinesics is the most commonly used nonverbal communication code. This is why I chose it as my point of focus. That will bring forth the discussion of how different body language movements are used by people in different cultures.
Kinesics entails the interpretation of the body movements such as gestures and facial expressions as nonverbal communication. Thus, it deals with the motion-based nonverbal cues in communication. It englobes a wide variety of behaviors that are portrayed by human beings. However, people from different cultures may misunderstand the kinesics that is used thus leading to miscommunication.
Some emblems used by the Japanese are similar to the ones used by Americans but they have different meanings. The emblem that is used by Americans to represent an okay gesture is interpreted in Japanese culture as money (Debono, 2018). For instance, when a Japanese wants to buy a commodity from an American, after the transaction, the American may use the emblem to signify that everything is okay. However, the Japanese may translate the emblem as more money is needed to purchase the commodity (Debono, 2018). Another emblem that has different meanings among Japanese and American cultures is waving a hand side to side. The Americans can interpret the gesture as a goodbye. However, someone with a Japanese cultural background may interpret the emblem as “No, thank you” (Mustafa, 2018). Such differences in the meanings of similar emblems between the Japanese and the Americans may result in confusion as well as miscommunication.
Some differences are seen in the affect displays between the Japanese and the American culture. The Americans tend to show their emotions publicly. However, the Japanese more often hide their emotions and do not display them publicly. For instance, when an American smiles, it may be interpreted that the American is happy and is having feelings of enjoyment, pleasure, or it could also reflect nervousness or embarrassment. Although a smile may be used to show emotions among the Japanese, it is also used to express shyness, discomfort, anger, grief, and surprise (Mustafa, 2018). Thus, the Japanese use a smile to hide their emotions.
One of the types of regulators that is used in conversations is eye contact. The Americans take the issue of eye contact seriously. In the American culture, eye contact is interpreted as attentiveness. Lack of eye contact is interpreted as a lack of interest and it may be an indicator to end a conversation. On the other hand, in Japanese culture, the use of eye contact is rare. The deviation of eye contact to the speaker’s Adam’s apple symbolizes attentiveness (Mustafa, 2018). Resulting in confusion if a person from either of the cultures does not understand the meaning of the same regulators in the other culture.
To conclude, nonverbal communication is commonly used among different cultures like American and Japanese. The nonverbal component that I have discussed throughout this paper is kinesic. It is described as the use of body movement, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate. Emblems, illustrations, affect displays, adaptors, and regulators are categories of kinesics. These categories may have the same or different interpretation depending on the culture.