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Nonverbal barriers in intercultural communication

Summary

Different culture facilitates intercultural communication. These differences are identified in terms of language, type of food consumed, cultural practices, and dressing styles. The communication barrier thus sets in due to these language differences. Apart from the language mode of communication, we have body language, which is referred to as nonverbal communication. This form varies from community to community. As seen in the case of Americans and Chinese, they have varied nonverbal communication, thus making the two communities incoherent. Different meaning is usually attached to common nonverbal communication leading to misinterpretation of information. Since we cannot avoid communication, it is advised that we get to understand each other's cultural differences. This could be possible by watching movies, TV plays, reading newspapers and novels. Lastly, to minimize this effect, we are encouraged to use communication skills more frequently.

What I like about the paper

This paper has identified the specific nonverbal problems, and it has gone a further step in suggesting possible recommendations for the identified problem.

Do the authors establish the problem the paper will address?

Yes, the author is addressing what causes nonverbal communication breakdown and what are the possible solutions to these barriers.

Is there a clear, proactive thesis?

No, the paper only emphasized on the general problem facing nonverbal communication.

Is there a clear argument that defends the thesis?

No. In this paper, there is no specific thesis; hence, we cannot have a defending thesis on what does not exist.

Is the argument at any point weak or unconvincing?

Some arguments are weak since they are not supported by any evidence such as similar research done by other authors

What questions does the paper raise without answering?

This is concerning the sender of the message and the receiver. The author does not explain how this difference of misunderstanding takes place

Is the methodology clearly described?

The paper has not clearly described the methodology of the paper. There is no basis of information provided, such as the author has mentioned 55% without giving any credibility source.

Is it adequate to make the argument the authors want to make?

It is not adequate because the entire information provided is not supported by evidence

Are any problems spelled out and discussed?

Several problems have been identified and discussed. Non-understanding between communities, for instance, could be addressed by having to read newspapers and listen to TV plays.

Do the writers sufficiently establish the setting/context of the study?

The context has been established. Through giving a personal experience of what he uncounted in the United States and how fellow Chinese and American students interact gives a vivid image of what is happening.

Are all the peoples described treated respectfully/fairly?

In this case, the American teachers mistreat Chinese students. They do not recognize their silence in class as a matter of culture learned in China. They assume that they don’t think nor listen carefully.

Is there anything you don’t understand?

Yes. How could teachers who have extensive knowledge fail to understand Chinese culture and yet they interact with them quite often?

Are there unsupported claims made that need to be supported by reference to some literature or an example from the data?

There is a lot of claims. Giving statistical data, for instance, need to be supported by the reference. In another instance, claims like, "Nonverbal behavior usually happens in the unconscious state. People tend to trust the information conveyed by nonverbal behavior in communication” should be supported with reference.

Are there tangential issues the authors get caught up in?

All the information presented by the author is relevant to the topic of discussion.

Offer specific and concrete suggestions for improvement

The paper should focus more on providing a supporting reference for claims made, as well as design a methodology to apply is validating his report.

List any specific and concrete problems you see: typos, errors of grammar or syntax, errors of fact.

Some of the grammatical errors identified include the repetition of words such as in the phrase, "So nonverbal communication is inevitable in communication."