Module 3　Body Language and Non­verbal

　　　　　Communication

　　Body Language

　　不同国家有不同的身势语，身势语在不同的文化背景下表达的含义相同吗？阅读下面的文字，你一定会有所了解和收获！

　　Body language is one of the most powerful means of communication，often even more powerful than spoken language.Although we may not realize that when we talk with others we make ourselves understood not only by words.We send messages to the people around us also by expressions and body movements.We call it "body language"，which is a kind of communication，non­verbal communication.People around the world show all kinds of feelings，wishes and attitudes that they might never speak aloud.Nodding the head means agreement，while shaking it means disagreement.Putting up a hand means "May I ask a question？" Kissing means "love"．Waving one's arms shows happiness.These gestures are accepted both

　　by Chinese and Americans as having the same meanings.

　　With so many cultural differences between people，it is great to have some similarities in body language.We can often be wrong about each other，so it is an amazing thing that we understand each other as well as we do.Not all cultures greet each other the same way，nor are they comfortable in the same way with touching or distance between people.These actions are not good or bad，but are simply ways in which cultures have developed.In general，though，studying international customs can certainly help avoid difficulties in today's world of cultural crossroads.