Sunday, February 19, 2012

Nonverbal Communication

The use of nonverbal communication and body language is an essential part of communication. In fact, the separation of “verbal and nonverbal behavior into two separate and distinct categories is virtually impossible” (Hall & Knapp, 2009, p. 5). When learning a new language, the different use of body language by the native speakers of this new language has to be considered by the teacher and the students. If ever the students are going to spend time in the country of their new language, they will be confronted with a different type of nonverbal behavior and nonverbal communication. De Capua and Wintergerst (2004) mention different aspects that should be considered when teaching about nonverbal behavior including proxemics (use of space), kinesics (body movements), eye contact, gestures, chronemics (usage and importance of time), haptics (touch behavior), facial expressions, dress and silence. Talking about these different aspects in our class was an enrichment, as all colleagues in this TESOL class come from different countries and we learn a lot from each others experiences and backgrounds. In the bigger picture of this course, addressing nonverbal communication is essential, as one of the goals of this course is to make students become familiar with the culture of the target language and help them to understand the cultural differences. Nonverbal communication is closely connected to a culture and always needs to be considered, when communicating with people from other cultures.
When teaching German students the differences of culture in Germany and Native speaking countries of English, non-verbal behavior should be addressed. The differences, however, will not be that severe, as these cultures all belong to the Western cultures. In addition, English teachers to German learners can address the nonverbal communication differences of other cultures that use English as means for communication. The knowledge of certain differences in non verbal behavior benefits all learners of English, as they will be able to prevent misunderstandings and learn to understand behavior, which seems to be quite awkward without knowing the reason for it.

DeCapua, A. & Wintergerst, A. (2004). Crossing cultures in the language classroom. Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan University.

Hall, J. & Knapp, M. (2009). Nonverbal communication in human interaction. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

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