Nonverbal Communication between China and America

Nonverbal Communication between China and America

Nonverbal communication is essential in the communication, like gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and space. Most of them are familiar in both America and China. However, because of the culture differences, some nonverbal communications are different. For example, kissing which is normal in American greetings can be rarely seen in China; even for affection, people won’t kiss in public places. In China, hugging is also not used as common as it used in America. Especially for different sex people, they may not hug though they are close friends. In America, people like embracing for greeting. Once when I saw an American girl I met in the party in the dinning hall, she was so happy to see me and gave a hug to me. In Chinese tradition, people should control their emotions in conversations and greetings. Especially for woman, they cannot talk aloud in public place in the old time.
On the other hand, the young generation in China began to learn American greeting ways because of the globalization. Many Chinese children love Hollywood movies and American sports matches. As a result, more and more children learn western greeting ways. In my high school, students hit each others’ hands like professional NBA players do in the match.
In conclusion, most greeting ways in China are familiar with American ways; but Chinese people do not kiss and embrace a lot for greetings.