Non-Verbal Communication - Essay Example

1.3) N.V.C plays a significant role in the sustainability and survival of species as the interpretation of non-verbal elements by the brain alerts the body to respond effectively in dangerous situations. The limbic systems instinctively tell the body to fight or flee by interpreting the nonverbal signs of an attacker. This hones the survival skills of a species immensely (Bull, 2010, p.1-4).2.1) N.V.C can be expressed in several ways including facial expressions, which are the same for all emotions in every culture; gestures, signs, and symbols which portray meaning without words; haptic, communicating through touch, etc.

(Oregonstate.edu, 2011, N.p).2.2) The inter-cultural and gender variations in N.V.C can create a lot of befuddlement as there are no universal gestures and intonations. Incidents like these on large scale can cause disputes between two races and even disrupt the peace between nations because of the confusion and misunderstandings (Knapp and Hall, 2009, p.31-34). Similarly, women tend to have closer spatial zones and this might make men in the proximity uncomfortable.2.3) The Nature vs. Nurture issue has been debated by experts as some belief N.V.C to be innate as Charles Darwin thought.

They believe that these signs are natural and inborn, thus they cannot be learned. On the other hand, anthropologists like Ashley Montagu are of the view that these elements are nurtured in a person as man has no innate instincts (Bull, P., 2010, p.1-4).3.1) Research methods used to study N.V.C include experimentation, interview, and survey techniques, coding and decoding software, statistical analysis, observational studies, and ethnography. All of these methods are highly important as they are essential for the collection of new data on N.V.C.

The raw data collected by interviews, observations, and surveys is later put in different software and processed by digital FACS, FACSAID, and Visage is modern programs that are used to interpret and analyze N.V.C data (Face-and-emotion.com, 2007, N.p).