about this tutorial...

This is one in a series of tutorials on intercultural communication. You may create a print version by clicking on the "print all" link at the top of the page. Anticipated completion time for this tutorial: approximately 65 minutes. Note that you can stop and come back and your score on completed items will be retained.

Learning Objectives

The objectives below can be achieved through working with the assigned readings, watching the presentation, doing the tutorial exercises, and posting to the discussion forums. Achievement of the objectives will be measured through the score achieved on the exercises (questions can be answered more than once), and on the quality of contributions to the course discussion forums.non-verbal.png

By successfully completing this unit, students should be able to...

  • Compare and contrast verbal and non-verbal codes
  • Define kinesics and provide examples across cultures
  • Differentiate and give examples of emblems and illustrators
  • Discuss the use of affects displays across cultures
  • Define paralanguage and provide cross-cultural examples
  • Define proxemics and provide cross-cultural examples
  • Define haptics and provide cross-cultural examples
  • Discuss the importance of dress/appearance
  • Explain the nonverbal expectancy violations theory
  • Discuss the meaning and use of semiotics

Key concepts for this unit

Select an item to see its definition...

Adaptors
Mostly unconscious nonverbal actions that satisfy physiological or psychological needs, such as scratching an itch

Key concepts (PDF)