Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 The Purpose of the Study-1

1.2 The Structure of the Paper-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Studies on Body Language at Home and Abroad-2

2.2 Introduction to Body Language-3

2.2.1 Definition-3

2.2.2 Classification-3

2.2.3 Functions-4

Chapter Three Similarities and Differences of Body Languages in Sino-USA Business Communication-5

3.1 Contrastive Study on Different Body Languages-5

3.1.1 Posture-5

3.1.2 Gesture-6

3.1.3 Facial Expression-6

3.1.4 Eye Contact-7

3.2 Suggestions-8

Chapter Four Conclusion-10

References-11

Abstract

Verbal communication and nonverbal communication are widely used in international business activities. As an important part of the cross-cultural communication, nonverbal communication has drawn more and more attention and interest from scholars. It includes all stimuli produced by human and environment except speech and act, which are potentially of value and significance for both the sender of message and the receiver of message. And body language is a particularly important communicative behavior in nonverbal communication. The identical body language signifies different meanings in different cultural backgrounds, which is apt to puzzle and mislead communicators with different cultures, or even results in communication failure if both parties involved are not of the common sense of cross-cultural communication. 

From the perspective of cross culture, this paper mainly makes the study on the differences and similarities of body language in Sino-USA business communication from four aspects: posture, gesture, facial expression and eye contact. Also, some constructive suggestions are made in the end of the paper which might be helpful for businessman to communicate in international business smoothly and successfully. 

Keywords:  Cross-culture  Body Language  International Business