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The Scilence That Binds

The Silence that Binds
Non-verbal communication is the invisible string that holds our culture together. Often non-verbal communication is described as communication without words; non-verbal communication refers to all aspects of a message which are not conveyed by the literal meaning of words. This differs from unconscious communication, which may be verbal or non-verbal. Both written and spoken communication can be non-verbal. The main types of Non-verbal communication are chromatics, kinesics, paralanguages, proxemics and semiotics. Culture, gender and social status all influence nonverbal communication.
Non-verbal communication is the most commonly used portion of the process of exchanging information. Up to ninety percent of all communication is non-verbal.
Non-verbal communication tells you to stop at a red octagonal sign to protect you from a dangerous intersection. It is how your eleven month old child is able to tell you she is in desperate need of a bottle or a nap. Non-verbal communication is everywhere around us all the time. The very concept of time revolves around non-verbal communication. The clock sitting in our courtyard right outside the window is communicating with me now, informing me that I am late for my History class. All of life revolves around non-verbal communication.
According to an article published by Shaver, Schwartz, Kirson, and O'connor in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology facial expressions are recognized universally for their meanings. A smile indicates happiness while a grimace shows displeasure. The impact and use of facial expressions however, is culture bound. This becomes clear when comparing high context cultures of the far-east with the low context cultures of the western world. In china facial expressions are used far less and hold less impact than they do in America. The emphasis in communication within the Chinese culture lies primarily within the context of the spoken message itself. These...