Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Different Meanings of Nonverbal actions
I have not done any traveling outside of the country, but I have heard of an example of a non verbal action that has a different meaning. When my aunt was in Italy she was part of a tour group. In one city when she got off of the bus this guy went by her and grabbed her ass. My aunt was taken off guard by this. She did not get mad, but instead just brushed it off. Later that night during dinner she told her story. One of the tour guides explained to her that it was a compliment if a guy grabs her ass even if he doesnt know her. I think if she was in the states she would have thrown a fit, but since she was in Italy she let it go and found out the meaning behind it. As for regional differences in nonverbal communication I can think of an example when I was in Indianapolis. I was at breakfast with some friends and it was everyones first time in Indianapolis. We enjoyed our meal and were waiting for the check. We kept waiting and waiting. Then we finally asked for our check and the waitress gave it to us right then. Later I was told that restaurants dont give you the check until you ask for it. When I asked why they said that when a server leaves the check on the table it means it is time for you to go. Since they see that as rude they just wait for you to ask for the check. Here it is not considered rude when a server leaves the check on the table before you ask for it, it is just how things work.
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Thank you for sharing these experiences; these are two good examples of differences between cultures and between different areas. I have never heard of either of these interpretations for these nonverbal actions. To me, the situation in Italy would have been sexual harassment, but I guess it just enforces the fact that within different cultures, different gestures and acts may mean different things. Your personal experience also sheds light on the fact that despite being in the same country, there are certain acts that may be deemed rude in one area and therefore avoided, but deemed proper and appropriate within another area. The meanings of nonverbal language do not only differ by country and culture, but by also region and state, despite nonverbal language being more universal.
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