We’ve all heard the saying “actions speak louder than words,” and the same goes for body language – our body language shows so much more about our thoughts and feelings than its possible to articulate verbally. We all use many forms of non-verbal communication to send messages; gestures, mannerisms, handshakes – all common elements of our daily communication, which vary greatly across different countries. It’s very important to understand these signals can mean something completely opposite in another culture:
Eye Contact – In many countries avoidance of eye contact is translated as shiftiness or insecurity, but in some cultures (e.g. Asian) avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect.
Smiling – In some cultures smiling is used to cover sadness, anger, or worry. It can also be used to save face. In some cultures, people smile only within the family unit. Students from some European countries rarely smile until they start to relax and get to know you, so understanding that this is normal behavior is very important for homestay hosts.
Pointing & Beckoning – Pointing and beckoning can be insulting in some cultures. Beckoning with the whole hand, palm downward, is used without offence and the safest motion if beckoning is the only way to attract attention.
Physical Contact – In many Asian cultures, the head is the most sacred part of the body and should not be touched. Touching a student on the head is not seen as appropriate. Greeting with a kiss or hug may be usual in your home, but is not acceptable to many other cultures. Some students will be willing to shake hands, many will be happier with a nod.
Names – Great significance is often attached to a person’s name; make sure you find out how to pronounce and spell your students’ name. Show them how to do the same with yours. It is not appropriate to call your student by a nickname that you come up with on your own, or by a shortened version of their name. In some cultures, the family name is written first, followed by the given name. Some students will have four or five names, which are given them at birth out of respect for relatives. Find out the right name to use for your student when they first arrive.
Yes & No – Answering yes often means that the student has heard you and is acknowledging you; it does not always mean that they have understood and are going to do what you say. It helps to ask open ended questions rather than questions that require a yes or no answer to ensure your student has understood what you are saying.
Expressing Emotion, Disharmony or Loudness – In some cultures, people readily display emotion, whether it is anger, frustration, or happiness. In some cultures, any open display of emotion is considered a lack of self-discipline and viewed as being in poor taste. Disagreement is not normally expressed; in general, international students will do all they can to maintain smooth relationships. This is because they fear any open display of disharmony results in a loss of face for all parties. It’s all a question of cultural point of view: if you are expressive and loud, you may be seen as brash and indiscreet, or even rude, while you may see your student as passive and compliant.
Humour – Students may find it confusing and hurtful, even insulting, to hear people “mocking” or “knocking” someone. Many students will not find this funny and won’t understand its purpose. It doesn’t mean your student doesn’t have a sense of humor. When coping with a new language, jokes are very hard to understand and often a student will not see the funny side. There may be a delay when translating the joke and the moment may well have passed.
Polite Behaviour – Each culture has its outward signs of politeness. Asian students will generally show great respect to anyone older than themselves and often have difficulty understanding the way some children speak to their parents, and especially to their brothers and sisters.
