Nonverbal Differences: Chinese and American Cultures

Comparative Analysis of the Forms and Features of Nonverbal Communication

Facial Expressions

The most common emotions - happiness, anger, sadness, and fear - are generally known and understood across cultures, but the frequency, intensity, and acceptability of their expression vary greatly. Facial expressions are the most direct and influential means of conveying emotion in human interaction. In China, hiding one's feelings is sometimes considered a sign of maturity or selfcontrol, whereas in the United States, emotional expression is viewed as honest and a means of building trust. In the United States, people often smile openly in public as a sign of politeness or goodwill. However, Chinese people are more likely to keep their facial expressions under control, even when they are happy, so as not to draw attention. 

Eye Contact

In the United States, eye contact is usually considered to be a sign of attentiveness, trust and sincerity. However, the degree of trust and comfort in looking into each other's eyes is different in China and the United States. Chinese are in the habit of looking away when speaking to Americans. In the West, looking someone in the eye is the basic requirement for communication, especially in scientific and academic circles. In China, however, it is regarded as rude and offensive to look people in the eye, especially for high officials and elderly people. Americans take this as an indication that they are evasive and uninterested. 

Gestures

The gestures of the Americans are many, their welcome with open arms, their thumbs-up, their lively hand gestures when they talk, all of them commonplace, often emotional, and all of them American customs. Intercultural relations are often misunderstood. Chinese gestures are generally more subdued, and their primary function is practical, such as counting or pointing to a direction, rather than emotional. These differences are important in avoiding misunderstandings. 

Physical Touch

Americans love to shake hands, hug and pat backs as greetings and to introduce themselves. These gestures are considered friendly and pleasant. Physical contact is a non-verbal expression of affection, trust and intimacy. With the exception of some rare exceptions, in the United States a firm handshake, along with a series of pleasantries, is considered an appropriate way to greet a new acquaintance. In China, where physical contact is usually considered improper except between relatives and close friends, a greeting is usually done by bowing or nodding. 

Paralanguage

Paralanguage refers to the vocal aspects of communication that accompany spoken words, such as tone, pitch, volume, speed, and pauses. It is not what we say, but how we say it, and it often conveys emotion, attitude, or emphasis beyond the literal meaning of words. Paralanguage is the aspect of speech relating to tone, pitch, speed, and volume and is greatly influenced by culture. In contrast, the tone of a Chinese speaker is fairly uniform, and in the presence of a dignitary, he will usually use a moderate tone. It is common for Americans to vary the tone and tempo of their speech, to give expressive emphasis to their words, and to indicate their emotions and excitement. This difference in paralanguage may lead to misinterpretations of the speaker's attitude, credibility, and intention. For example, an extended pause may be interpreted as carelessness and a lack of preparation in American culture, whereas in Chinese culture, it is interpreted as thoughtful and reflective. Silence is used as a communication strategy in contrast to the constant and lively speaking style of Americans. 

Summary of Nonverbal Communication Differences between China and the U.S. 

Chinese communication, as a high-context culture, tends to emphasize subtlety, restraint, and indirectness. In contrast, American communication, as a low-context culture, tends to emphasize clarity, openness, and individuality. A study of facial expressions, gestures, touching, and other forms of nonverbal communication reveals that the nonverbal communication of different cultures is closely tied to the underlying cultural values. Chinese people, for example, tend to maintain a greater distance between them in conversation, while Americans are more likely to get close to each other. This difference is related to proxemics, the study of how people use space in communication, which varies significantly between cultures. 

These subtleties influence how nonverbal behavior is expressed, interpreted, and evaluated. For example, a gesture of affection, which is common and accepted in the United States, can be considered excessive and indecent in China. To understand these intangible, intangible cultural "rules" or "invisible" codes is essential to avoid misunderstandings and improve cross-cultural communication. A conference was held in Montreal on the question of women, and the Canadian delegate to the International Commission said: "The conference... should make the international commission even more determined to promote respect, effectiveness, and responsiveness in the relations between peoples".