英语毕业论文 文化差异在中英肢体语言交际中的影响

II Definition, Functions and Importance of Body language

2.1 Definition of Body language

Body language is not a language in the strict sense of the word “language”. “Body language” is expressing how one feels by one’s sitting, standing, moving, etc, rather by words (Oxford Advanced Learners English-Chinese Dictionary, 1997). It is a way that we use the natural features of their bodies to deliver information and express specific meaning instinctively to the other communicator.

2. 2 Importance of Body Language

Body language is important in human interaction .It can be reflected by the countless times in a single day that we send and receive body language messages when in presence of other people .Body language is particularly important to the study of intercultural communication because a great deal of body behavior speaks a universal language whether in Dayton, Madrid, Spain or Guangdong china people tend to have a similar meanings for behaviors such as smiling ,frowning ,laughing ,crying.

Barn laud highlights some of the reasons why the form of body language is important to the study of intercultural communication: Many and sometimes most of the critical meanings generated in human encounter are elicited by touch, glance, vocal nuance, gestures or facial expression with or without the aid of words. Consciously or unconsciously, intentionally or unintentionally, we make important judgment and descions, send message concerning the internal states of others_ states, they often express without words. For example ,The first time you move from holding hands with your partner to touching his or her face ,you are sending a message and that message takes on added significance if you touch is returned.

Body language is also significant because we use the actions of others to learn their effective or emotional states .If we see someone with a clenched fist and a bowing, we do not need words to tell us that this person is angry: If we hear someone‘s voice quarter and see his or her hands tremble, we know that the person is fearful or anxious. Body language is important because we usually show our body language unconsciously; this means that they are relatively freed from distortions .It difficult to control a clenched jaw when we are angry.

There exist a true thing that at beginning , human ancestors rely on all sorts of gestures and postures for mutual coordination and communication then developed into verbal communication .So body language is actually the most primitive instrument of communication, non _verbal communication come into being earlier than verbal communication, it is the organ and base of verbal communication, body language is the earliest communication tool of human. 2006zk0902

2.3 Functions of Nonverbal Communication

Body language , is a part of culture and the carrier of a certain culture. The function of body

2

language in the whole communication can’t be overlooked. “In the daily communication, we can see people can’t communicate efficiently by verbal language alone. And nonverbal communication will express clear meanings in a certain context. And a certain nonverbal communication should be connected with verbal communication or the other nonverbal communication to provide correct information.” So in communicative activities, nonverbal communication also plays a great role. Of course, we should pay close attention to the functions of nonverbal communication. “In any case, when verbal communication conflicts with nonverbal communication, people are willing to accept the information nonverbal communication delivers. Because nonverbal communication sounds more natural, more instinctive and it is hard to pretend.” Obviously, we should make full use of nonverbal communication to achieve efficient communication. Now, we will discuss the functions of nonverbal communication, body language.

2.3.1 Exchange ideas

To exchange ideas is the most basic function of body language .In daily verbal communication ,people often use body language to match with the verbal language to express what they are trying to make .speakers consciously or unconsciously use body language to express ideas .For example ,we actually use the word ”stop” that signifies a person to stop and might hold up our hand in the gesture at the same time ,or we might point in a certain direction after we just said “The new library is north of that playground ”.The gestures and words have a similar meaning and reinforce one another .Sometimes body language even can express ideas directly ,especially at the kind of occasion that is inappropriate to speak or somebody doesn’t want to speak .For example ,at the place where is as quite as the reading room ,it is inappropriate for people to talk at that time body language is useful.

2.3.2 Complement and substitutes

Although messages that show can stand alone generally complementing adds more information to massagers . You can accent you anger by speaking in a voice that is much louder than one you use in normal conversation .You can tell someone that you are pleased with his or he performance. But if you pat the person on the shoulder at the same time this messages take on extra meaning. Body language can even substitute the words .If you see a very special friend ,you are apt to enlarge the size of your smile and throw open arms to greet him or her which is a substitute for all the words you want to convey the same feeling I miss” you very much“ .And we can also regulate our communication by using some form of body language .a smile and an outstretched hand show welcome .a frown is a sign of displeasure .Nodding one’s head means agreement _”Yes ”.Waving an

3