Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal language is a very large aspect of all cultures' communication.  It can be seen as body language, personal space, eye contact and many other ways not including verbal communication.  In general, nonverbal communication happens during any interaction while some sort of communication is taking place, whether verbal or not.  The ability to understand nonverbal communication within other cultures is paramount in all settings for a number of reasons. The most important reason is because nonverbal language makes for effective communication; different cultures have unique nonverbal norms, and misinterpreting these cues can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, or even offense. Understanding these cues helps one convey messages accurately and receive messages correctly.  This can additionally help build trust because a good understanding of nonverbal communication shows that the individual puts respect and value into the other cultures' way of communication.  Another reason that understanding nonverbal communication is important is because it can help avoid stereotypes and prejudice, and miscommunication.  For example, a thumbs up or a single finger point can mean very different things, or sitting down versus standing is accepted in different situations across cultures.  The last reason that nonverbal language is important is because it is required in order to conduct business and social etiquette correctly; It can impact job interviews, negotiations, business deals, and personal relationships.

Some obstacles included in understanding nonverbal language are that many cultures have drastically different forms of nonverbal communication; some gestures in one culture can mean the exact opposite in other cultures.  These differences in communication are present on both sides of the interaction which makes for a larger margin for error unless each side understands the other completely. Nonverbal communication is a secondary form of communication and has many of its roots being formed deep within the society of the said culture.  This makes it hard to understand all of a culture's cues because many of them are unspoken outside of the society.

Two elements that show how nonverbal communication is communicated through general appearance are skin color, and eye contact.  For instance, in Japan, while beauty standards have become more diverse and accepted, a very pale white skin tone is still seen as beautiful and historically would have shown signs of royalty.  In America, generally as far as
Caucasian skin tones go, a very pale white skin tone is more likely seen as someone who does not get much time outside and has little social life.  A tan skin tone is often seen as someone who has more energy, spends more time outside being productive, and has better social skills.  Japan also treats eye contact differently than western culture; maintaining direct and prolonged eye contact in Japan is often considered impolite, especially in formal or hierarchical situations. Excessive eye contact may be seen as confrontational, disrespectful, or even invasive. Instead, it's common to show respect by averting your gaze slightly or by lowering your eyes when speaking with someone who is considered superior or of higher status.

The concept of personal space is significant in Japanese culture. Maintaining appropriate physical distance and using indirect eye contact helps to preserve personal boundaries and avoid making others uncomfortable.  Japanese people generally maintain larger personal space bubbles compared to some Western cultures however the appropriate distance may vary depending on the context and relationship between individuals.  Physical contact such as shaking hands or hugging as a form of greeting are not used often, instead, bowing is the traditional and more common way to show respect and acknowledge others.  I would be slightly uncomfortable in Japanese culture because I am used to physical contact being used as a form of love and affection. However, A Japanese person would be much more uncomfortable because physical touch has a large impact on a person's feelings and sensations, making it harder to adjust to a smaller personal bubble.  In America it is completely normal  and often welcomed to shake hands with a stranger or give someone a pat on the back for a good deed.  

Japan is seen as a polychronic culture; they tend to do more multitasking with less time oriented deliverables; each task is being done in the flow of the work environment rather than each task in order after the other.  Being punctual is important in Japanese culture; it is seen as respectful and shows that the individual values the other people's time.  If someone is going to be late, it is seen as extremely disrespectful to show up without sending them an apology message informing them that you may be late.  

It is important to know the answers to all of these questions because both in a business and social setting, these situations arise on a daily basis.  If the individual does not know how to overcome the social barriers then it's likely that they won't have an easy time  staying there.