ABSTRACT
The nonverbal behaviors of a culture are part of the culture's language. Avoiding social faux pas depends on our being familiar with the nonverbal norms of other cultures. Misinterpretation of nonverbal cues can lead to serious disagreements between people and even war between nations. Cultures use gestures and movement in significantly different ways to evoke significantly different meanings. The same facial expressions and eye movements are used across cultures to communicate basic emotions. However, the cues used likely differ in their display rules, such as expressiveness and duration. Like other nonverbal cues, touching varies significantly among cultures. While some cultures are classified as contact cultures, others are more in the noncontact culture camp. Because of the lack of space they are used to, members of Asian cultures are less offended by accidental touches than are Americans, and the British, who typically make greater personal space demands. Members of other cultures may be offended by violations of their personal touch norms.
