Sino-American Cultural Differences In Nonverbal Communication

Humans have two types of communication: verbal communication and nonverbal communication. Now researchers tend to place more importance on verbal communication, and researches on cross-cultural communication also emphasize verbal communication. However, in face-to-face communication, a large number of communication messages are transmitted by nonverbal means. It is estimated that up to 90% of the meaning of a message is transmitted nonverbally, and only about 10% is transmitted in verbal ways. That speaks volumes for the importance of nonverbal communication in human communication.With the rapid development of world's economy and new communication technology, people from all over the world get closer, international communication becomes easier and more rapid, and cross-cultural communication activities occur more frequently. The most important element of successful international communication may be appreciation and respect for regional, state, and cultural differences. Although much of nonverbal communication is universal, many of our nonverbal actions are affected and altered by culture. Thus, it is critical to have an understanding of cultural differences and nonverbal behavior apart from mastering foreign languages to ensure that cross-cultural communication goes on wheels.This thesis aims at problems caused by nonverbal communication barriers in cross-cultural communication, applies the research method of theory analysis and practical demonstration, and provides a contrastive study of cultural differences in nonverbal communication between America and China. It lays emphasis on the comparisons of some aspects of nonverbal communication such as general appearance and dress, postures, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, touch, space and distance orientation, and time orientation. It is beyond doubt that such a research is of practical significance to the success of international communication between American and Chinese people and to the development of Sino-American relationship as well. It is hoped that this thesis will provide cross-cultural communicators with the required basis for making an effective and beneficial beginning in cross-cultural communication and understanding both eastern and western cultures.This thesis consists of six chapters.Chapter one gives a general description of this thesis.Chapter two is literature review. It examines communication, cross-cultural communication, and nonverbal communication in detail.Chapter three expounds culture and nonverbal communication.Chapter four canvasses theories on cultural differences.Chapter five provides a contrastive study of some aspects of cultural differences in nonverbal communication between America and China, such as general appearance and dress, postures, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, touch, space and distance orientation, and time orientation.Chapter six concludes this thesis, and puts forward the limitations of this thesis.