Question

As we have discussed in the class, nonverbal codes have many functions including reinforcing, replacing or contradicting the verbal message. They can also regulate interactions, create immediacy and deceive. There are a large variety of nonverbal cues (some that you might not have considered before such as artifacts, environment and silence). Being aware of nonverbal codes is important to effective communication when being the sender of the message, the receiver, or even being an observer of communication. Therefore, for the Assignment this unit you will be the observer of nonverbal codes and will analyze what you observe.

To do this, first review the information on nonverbal codes in the reading. Then go to a location where you can observe people (a busy restaurant, a hotel lobby, your workplace, or somewhere there are many people to observe). Start by analyzing your reactions. What are your impressions of people based on appearance, artifacts, body language, eye contact, paralanguage, use of space, and touch? Then take notes on the question below to complete the Assignment.

During your observation, answer the questions below:

1.) Location and time of day?

2.) What are your impressions of the environment (include graphic elements)?

3.) Pay attention to the relationships and communication occurring around you. How are people greeting each other? Do you think you can tell the relationships of the people based on their nonverbal behaviors? Why or why not?

4.) What are the cultural nonverbal cues that you notice?

5.) Describe five different nonverbal codes that you see, and then explain the function of each and what you assume each means.

Answer 1

1) The location of observation is a restaurant and time is PM. The time and location is chosen such that there is a possibility to observe a large number of people during their dinner time.

2) The environment is an upscale restaurant and it consists of plush interiors. The restaurant is located in a busy street. The interiors of the restaurant are classy and there are around 15 tables which can seat a maximum of 4 patrons at each table. The servers are well dressed and aware of he details of each dish being served at the restaurant. They are attentive towards the guests. At the moment, about 7 tables are occupied and we can see reserved tag is placed on 3 tables.

3) People around me are friendly and being amicable with one another. One group which had 3 members, all of whom appear to be in their late 20's and which appears to be a group of work colleagues is greeting one another with "Hello" and a handshake. This group greeted each other in a formal manner which indicates they have a professional relationship between them.

Yet another group which has 4 people, who appear to be in their late teens, are greeting one another by a loud "Hi", followed by hugs and thumps on each others backs. This indicates they are close friends and may be classmates.

Yes, it is possible to identify the relationships between people based on the nonverbal behaviors. We can tell who is a married couple by looking at their body language while communicating. There can be more touching and hand holding etc which indicates the presence of a romantic relationship between them. Also, facial expressions which include smiles can indicate a close relationship at a personal level.

4) At this South Asian restaurant, I can see that there is a family in which the children are touching the feet of their elders as a mark of greeting. This is a display of respect towards the elderly in South Asian cultures.

Also, when people are conversing with one another, there is a continuous head nod from the listener which indicates that the listener is interested in the conversation and is paying attention. The head nod is also a manner unique to South Asia.