An Analysis of Non-Verbal Behaviour in Intercultural Communication

An Analysis of Non-Verbal Behaviour in Intercultural Communication

  • Submitted By: ilzomer
  • Date Submitted: 04/24/2013 5:01 AM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 5158
  • Page: 21
  • Views: 1

Abstract
Nonverbal communication is a critical component of human communication. Mcneill (2000), who inter-
prets that both verbal and nonverbal communication are under the concept of communication and are
inseparable. In addition, intercultural communication and nonverbal communication have become two
important areas of communication study. The fascinating relationship between the two areas has at-
tracted many scholars (Ma, 1999). Many studies have demonstrated the close relationship between
the two areas on a theoretical basis and explored the specific nonverbal behaviour in cross-cultural or
intercultural context (Althen, 1992; Barnlund, 1989; Ma, 1996). Therefore, it is suggested education for
nonverbal communication needs to be taken into consideration in EFL (English as a Foreign Lan-
guage) classrooms in order to develop English learners’ intercultural communicative competence.
This paper examines the role of non-verbal communication in intercultural communication. The find-
ings indicate that inappropriate nonverbal behaviours may cause potential breakdowns in intercultural
communication. It is also shown the necessity of incorporating skills of nonverbal communication into
English language teaching in order to enable English learners to communicate cross-culturally. The
study also suggests that teachers should use more nonverbal behaviours in language classrooms to
improve learners’ study motivation.
Introduction
With the development of globalization, intercultural communication has become more frequent and
more significant than ever before (Wang, 2007). As an international language, English has played an
important role in facilitating the communication between people with different cultural backgrounds. As
a result, the EFL education has considered the communicative competence as one of the important
aims of EFL teaching. It seems that intercultural communication will be successful, as long as the
speaker has...

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