Nonverbal Communication

People may not understand your words, but they will certainly interpret your nonverbal communication according to their own accepted cultural norms. Notice the words their own. It is their own perceptions that will count when you are trying to communicate, and it's important to understand that those perceptions will be based on the teachings and experiences of their culture - not yours.

The ideas and theories presented in the previous sections note how we look at the structures of cultures, values, and communication. They also provide a framework for talking about and comparing cultures, but it's always important to remember that cultures are heterogeneous, and constantly changing.  One size does not fit all.  Nonverbal communication is ambiguous even in the best of times.