Body Language is always an interesting aspect of learning to assimilate in a culture. It plays essential role in being able to speak a language properly. The Chapter how to treat body language provides a general overview of the differences that exists in understanding different languages. The author believe we use gestures , vary our facial expression, make eye contact, and alter our body posture to perform various functions ranging from giving clues about our personality to stating an emotional states. However, body language differs from one country to another. A perfect example of differences in understanding body language would be the use of eye contact.
Eye contact is often viewed to be essential in communication in the United States. Lack of eye contact can create a sense of discomfort during conversation often leading people to draw parallels to lack of attention. However, lack of eye contact can be seen as a sign of respect in different societies. In Nepal, a younger person is not supposed to maintain eye contact with the older person while talking. If one looks at the eye and maintains eye contact it could be deemed disrespectful and often consider manner less. Also a student barely maintains eye contacts with their professor in order to show their respect to their teachers.
Another example of difference in body language is the use of the sign “thumbs-up”. Normally, in most of the societies the sign thumbs-up refer to something positive. It has a positive connotation and is often associated with “all is well” or “I am winning”. However, in Arab world, as well as parts of West Africa and Asia, it is a symbol of insult, equivalent to giving someone the finger in the West. So it is essential for a language learner to take in consideration the use of body language in different cultures before learning the language.
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