Abstract

Body language, like verbal language, is also a part of culture. As a kind of nonverbal language, it plays an important role in communication. However, in different cultures, different people have different ways to use nonverbal communication and body language to convey different things. This thesis aims to discuss the different kinds of body language employed in Chinese and western culture such as eye contact, facial expression, gestures, and the possible causes behind, such as, culture, tradition, beliefs, ethnic characters, social customs. Body language can obtain better communication effect, conversely, communication errors will be caught. Finally, the paper puts forward suggestions to using body language to achieve effective intercultural communication, and the application of body language to avoid misunderstanding.

Key words : body language; intercultural communication; culture difference

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction5

2.Significance and Functions of Body Language6

2.1 Significance of body language6

2.2 Functions of body language6

2.2.1 Expressing ideas6

2.2.2 Conveying emotion7

2.2.3 Indicating social relations.7

3.Causes of Different Uses of Body Language in Different cultures 8

3.1 Different traditions8

3.2 Different ethnic characters .9

3.3 Different beliefs and values.10

3.4 Different social customs11

4.The Application of Body Language12

4.1 Eye contact.12

4.2 Facial expressions13

4.3 Gestures.14

4.4 Body distance15

5. Conclusion16

References.17