Intercultural communication- non-verbal communication

Summary

This video introduces international students to the cultural nuances of nonverbal communication in the Netherlands, highlighting differences in gestures and body language between the Netherlands and countries like Italy, Japan, Greece, China, and France. The script illustrates how small actions, such as a thumb-up or the way gifts are exchanged, can carry different meanings across cultures. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences to avoid misunderstandings, offering practical advice to stay alert, learn intercultural communication, and ask questions when unsure. The video is a valuable resource for smoother cultural integration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nonverbal communication varies significantly across cultures, including body language, gestures, vocal qualities, use of space, dress, and even smell.
• 😀 Greetings differ: Southern European countries favor kissing and hugging, while Japan avoids physical contact entirely.
• 😀 Gestures can have different meanings: a thumbs-up is positive in the Netherlands but can be offensive in other countries.
• 😀 In Japan, making a circle with the thumb and forefinger signals asking for the bill, whereas in the Netherlands it means 'everything is fine.'
• 😀 Cultural differences in hand gestures: holding up a hand means 'I am sorry' in the Netherlands, but in Greece, it is offensive.
• 😀 The same gesture can have opposite interpretations: 'temple touch' means 'smart' in the Netherlands but 'stupid' in France.
• 😀 Classroom signals differ: Chinese students use a certain sound for disapproval, while Dutch teachers have their own methods for gaining attention.
• 😀 Foot-stomping shows impatience in the Netherlands but anger in China.
• 😀 Staring or yawning can indicate boredom in the Netherlands but curiosity or surprise in China.
• 😀 Gift-giving etiquette varies: in China, using two hands shows respect, while in the Netherlands, how you exchange a gift is less important.
• 😀 Learning about nonverbal communication in advance helps avoid misunderstandings and embarrassment when interacting with different cultures.
• 😀 Being aware and attentive to nonverbal cues is a key part of intercultural learning and effective communication.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on the differences in nonverbal communication between the Netherlands and several other countries, highlighting gestures, body language, and cultural norms.

What is nonverbal communication?

Nonverbal communication includes messages people send without words, such as body language, facial expressions, vocal qualities, use of time and space, dress, and even smell.

How do greetings differ between Southern European countries and Japan?

In Southern European countries, greetings often involve kissing and hugging. In Japan, people generally avoid physical contact when greeting.

How is a thumbs-up gesture interpreted differently in the Netherlands compared to some other countries?

In the Netherlands, a thumbs-up gesture generally means 'I'm fine,' whereas in some other countries it may have negative or offensive connotations, such as the equivalent of a middle finger.

What does the circle made with thumb and forefinger mean in Japan versus the Netherlands?

In Japan, it is a gesture used to ask for the bill in a restaurant. In the Netherlands, the same gesture simply means 'everything is fine.'

How can the same hand gesture have different meanings in Greece and the Netherlands?

In Greece, holding up your hand can mean 'I will throw poop in your face,' whereas in the Netherlands, the same gesture is used to express 'I am sorry.'

What does the term 'temple' refer to in the Netherlands versus France?

In the Netherlands, a 'temple' gesture means that someone is smart. In France, the same gesture can imply that someone is stupid.

How does stamping feet differ between Dutch and Chinese culture?

In the Netherlands, stamping feet indicates impatience or being in a hurry. In China, it is a sign of anger.

What is the meaning of staring and yawning in the Netherlands versus China?

In the Netherlands, staring and yawning while someone talks indicates boredom or disinterest. In China, it conveys curiosity or surprise.

How is gift-giving culturally different between China and the Netherlands?

In China, gifts are given with both hands to show respect. In the Netherlands, the method of handing over a gift is less significant.

Why is it important to learn about nonverbal communication in different cultures?

Understanding nonverbal communication helps avoid misunderstandings and embarrassment, and it is an essential part of intercultural learning and effective communication.

What practical advice does the video give for interacting with people from different cultures?

The video advises viewers to stay alert, be aware of nonverbal cues, learn other cultural communication styles, and ask questions when unsure.