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BODY TALK
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To communicate well with other people, you must learn to speak well,
right?
Yes, but speaking isn`t everything. Some experts say only 30 percent
fo communication comes from talking. Your gestures and other nonverbal
actions matter, too. But in different cultures, the same action can
have different meanings.
When you have to meet somenoe from a different culture, be prepeaed.
Do you konw what kind of gestures and customs are appropriate? if
you understand cultural differencse, you`ll be a better communicator-even
before you open your mouth!
In many Western cultures, men stand up before they are introduced
to someone improtant.standing up shows politenesss and respect. After
that, someone well usually offer to shake hands.
But in the East, typical introductions often begin and end with
bowing rather than shaking hands. Sometimes even a small nod of the
head is enough. Some Westerners visiting Asia misinterpret not shaking
hands as a sign of unfriendliness. Such a mistake could be harmful
to the start of a new friednship.
Important Introductions
Let`s look at the simple introduction of shaking hands. Americans
like a firm handshake. But the French prefer a light, short handshake.
if you shake a Frenchman`s hand the American way, he may think you`re
uncultured.
People in Eastern European countries and some Latino cultures prefer
shorter handshakes, too. Hugging after shaking hands is also a common
introduction. Don`t be scared or offended if you meet someone in Brazil
and he gives you a bug. if you misinterpret this gesture, your friendship
may get off on the wrong foot!
The proper customs for eye contact vary between cultures, too. Westerners
appreciate regular eye contact during conversations. Refusing to look
a Westerner in the eye may be understood as lack or trust, or maybe
boredom. But in some African countries, too much eye contact can offend
or sometimes have romantic connotations. Some perole in Middle Eastern
countries may appear to have their eyes half-closed while talking
to you. Although it might seem like they`re tired or bored, such behavior
is mormal and should not bentaken personally.
Is Everything OK?
Everyone around the world knows the "OK" hand gesture,
don`t they? Be careful not to assume too much!
In Spain, parts of South America and Eastern Europe. the OK sign
is considered rude. if you gou shopping in Japan, it means you`d like
your change in coins instead of bills. In France, making the OK sign
means you think something is worthless.
Even a gesture as common as the OK sign may not be universally understood.
Check before you use it and embarrass yourself.
If you understand everything in this article so far, nod your head.
Does that mean yes?
Not among some Malaysians it doesn`t! The Malaysian indians show they
agree with something by shaking their heads form side to side. To
many foreignesr visiting Malaysia, this is clearly a no sign. Wow,
how confusing!
Understanding even a few key gestures from different cultures can
make you a better communicator, So next time you go overseas, try
being culturally sensitive. Find out the local gesture, and let your
body talk.
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Word bank
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| body language |
(n phr) 肢体语言
You say you aren`t angry, but your body language tells me
you are.
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| gesture |
(n) 手势；肢体动作；表情
The teachermade a gesture to tell her students to be quiet.
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| bow |
(v) 鞠躬
The children bowed inffront of their father to show him respect.
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| misinterpret |
(v) 误解；误译
Elyse misinterpreted the gift Sam gave her. Now she thinks
he loves her, but he doesn1t.
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| uncultured |
(adj)没有教养的； 不文明的
If the only thing you read is comic books, you`ll be uncultured.
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| get off on the wrong foot |
(exp) 一开始就不顺利；不好的开始
Bert was an hour late the first day at his new job. He sure
got off on the wrong foot.
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| boredom |
(n) 无聊；厌烦
To avoid boredom as you learn English,study with Studio Classroom.
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| connotation |
(n) 暗示
The word"love"has many connotations, so be careful
how you use it.
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| worthless |
(adj) 无价值的；无用的
Jeff fornd some very old money hidden in his basement. Unfortunately,
it`s worthless now.
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| universall |
(adv) 全世界地；普通地
A warm smile is one statement in body language that`s universally
understood.
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| cultureally sensitive |
(adj phr) 对文化敏感的
Before you can ben culturally sensitive in foreign cultures,
you must learn
about them.
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More Information
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| nonverbal |
(adj) 非语言的
An angry face is nonverbal communication that everyong understands.
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| Latino |
(n) 拉丁民族
people from Latin America are sometimes called Lations.
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| eye contact |
(n phr) 目光接触
When you talk to Americans, try to make eye contact with them.
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