Question 1

The use of space is an indication of the attitudes towards privacy.

Accepted Answer

The use of space can reflect how much privacy an individual or society values. For example, if a culture has high value for privacy, they may have larger personal space boundaries and expect others not to intrude upon it unless invited. On the other hand, if a culture has lower value for privacy, they may have smaller personal space boundaries and be more comfortable with others in close proximity. Therefore, the use of space can be an indication of attitudes towards privacy.

Question 2

The German bow is a bow of the head that men use when greeting other people.

Accepted Answer

The German bow, also known as the "respectful nod", is a bow of the head that is used as a greeting in German culture. It is typically used by men when greeting or showing respect to others.

Question 3

Define the term paralanguage and discuss the role of paralanguage in intercultural communication.

Accepted Answer

Paralanguage refers to the non-verbal elements of speech, such as tone, pitch, volume, and rhythm. It also includes vocal qualities like laughter, crying, and sighing. These elements can greatly influence the meaning and interpretation of verbal communication.

In intercultural communication, paralanguage plays a crucial role in conveying emotions, attitudes, and intentions. Different cultures may have varying norms and expectations regarding paralanguage, which can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. For example, in some cultures, speaking loudly may be seen as assertive and confident, while in others it may be considered rude or aggressive.

Additionally, paralanguage can also be used to express politeness, respect, and empathy. For instance, using a softer tone and slower speech may be perceived as respectful in certain cultures, while in others it may be seen as lacking confidence or assertiveness.

Understanding and being aware of the role of paralanguage in intercultural communication is essential for effective and respectful communication across cultures. It requires individuals to be mindful of their own paralanguage and to be open to learning about and adapting to the paralanguage norms of other cultures. By doing so, individuals can avoid misunderstandings and build stronger connections with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Question 4

In Japanese culture,eye contact is related to honesty.

Accepted Answer

In Japanese culture, prolonged eye contact can be considered disrespectful or aggressive, and people often avoid it to show politeness and respect.

Question 5

Vocalization is the transforming of ideas into words.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Paralanguage refers to the sounds we make but not the words we use.

Accepted Answer

Paralanguage includes nonverbal aspects of speech such as tone, pitch, volume, pauses, and inflection, but not the actual words spoken.

Question 7

How can private space be used to understand the nonverbal communication through space in a business setting? Give specific examples.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

The meaning of nonverbal communication signals varies from culture to culture.

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal communication signals can have different meanings in different cultures. For example, a smile may be a sign of happiness in many cultures, but it can also be used as a mask for negative emotions in some cultures. Similarly, eye contact can be interpreted as a sign of respect or trustworthiness in some cultures, but in others, it may be seen as a sign of aggression or disrespect. It is important to be aware of these cultural differences to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications.

Question 9

Discuss at least three aspects of nonverbal communication and give specific examples illustrating their use in different cultures.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Office size is an indicator of importance in all cultures.

Accepted Answer

Office size may vary depending on factors such as company hierarchy, job role, and available space. In some cultures, smaller offices may be preferred as a sign of humility and teamwork. Additionally, the importance of an individual is determined by their role and achievements rather than their office size.

Question 11

What can you learn about the Japanese by studying the layout of their offices?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

"The silence spoke volumes." Discuss this statement. Compare the attitude towards silence in high-context and low-context cultures.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

The handshake is the accepted form of greeting business people everywhere.

Accepted Answer

The handshake is a common form of greeting in many cultures, but not universally accepted everywhere. Different cultures may have different customs for greeting in business settings.

Question 14

The timing of verbal exchanges usually indicates who is in charge.

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the person who initiates the conversation or controls the flow of conversation tends to be the one in charge. Timing is just one of the many factors that can indicate who has the authority in a verbal exchange.

Question 15

By Western standards,Asian cultures use restraint in facial expressions and gestures.

Accepted Answer

It is generally recognized that Asian cultures tend to use more restraint in their facial expressions and gestures, in comparison to Western cultures which tend to be more expressive. This can be attributed to cultural differences in communication styles and norms.

Question 16

Volume,pitch,and intonation are vocal qualifiers.

Accepted Answer

Volume, pitch, and intonation are all qualities of the voice that describe how it sounds, so they are all vocal qualifiers.

Question 17

In what ways can nonverbal communication signals indicate power and status?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Personal space in the United States is about the length of an arm.

Accepted Answer

Personal space in the United States is generally considered to be about 2-4 feet, which is roughly the length of an outstretched arm.

Question 19

In Asian cultures smiling can be a sign of embarrassment.

Accepted Answer

In some Asian cultures, such as Japan and China, smiling can be a sign of embarrassment or shyness, while in Western cultures it is often seen as a sign of happiness or friendliness. It is important to be aware of cultural differences when interpreting nonverbal communication.

Question 20

Women in most cultures tend to use fewer and smaller gestures than men.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that women in most cultures tend to use fewer and smaller gestures than men. This difference in nonverbal behavior is believed to be influenced by social and cultural expectations regarding gender roles and communication styles.

Quiz 6: Nonverbal Language in Intercultural Communication