Non-verbal Communication

People from different cultures speak different languages but also use non-verbal communication in different ways. Listen to what people say about non-verbal communication in different cultures. (Part 5 of the series of talks about culture http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/webcast/tae_whoonearth_archive.shtml)

Exercise 4. Choose the best way to complete the sentences.

1. If people use non-verbal communication in ways we recognise __________

a) there can be problems.

b) we think of them as people we can get on with.

c) we start talking to them.

2. The hand movements usually indicate that the person ___________

a) tries to calm down.

b) is emotionally overwhelmed.

c) is from England.

3. In the Middle East a man doesn't maintain eye contact with a woman when he is talking to her __________

a) if he is bored.

b) because it is invasion of her privacy.

c) if she is married.

4. Westerners are shocked __________

a) when they see people bow to each other.

b) when people don't maintain eye contact.

c) when they see Arab men holding hands in the street with other men.

5. According to the research done in cafes around the world couples would touch each other more __________

a) in Brazil.

b) in France.

c) in England.

Exercise 5. Listen to the text again. Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. ‘Non-verbal communication’ is	a) are much cooler and don't really move their bodies so much when they're talking.
2. African Americans or Mediterranean cultures	b) think that it's a violation of social harmony to print your individuality and your ideas on the world with your arms as you're speaking.
3. Scandinavians	c) it's a sign of your honesty to look someone in the eye when you're talking to them.
4. Japanese	d) our body language - the way we use our hands, our faces, our eyes.
5. In England	e) a man would never maintain eye contact with a woman while talking to her.
6. In the Middle East	f) someone might take your wrist in their hand while they are talking to you to keep your attention and show their emphasis.
7. In Namibia	g) will throw their arms around and move around a lot when they're speaking.
8. In the Middle East	h) greeting someone in the street you have to stand and look at the person and smile, and greetings take up to five minutes.