NonVerbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication is a language without words, sometimes called body language. It comprises a diversity of culturally derived behavioral displays such as artifacts, chronomics, haptics, kinesics, proxemics, and silence/time.

Artifacts are the result of conscious management of general appearance, dress and physical surroundings.

Cambodian Culture	American Majority Culture
Physical appearance and physical surroundings are important and provide visual cues as to the status and tone of conversations. Formality of dress is very important at work and for important occasions. Formal dress is also considered a sign of respect when teaching, or as a guest.	Physical appearance and physical surroundings are important and provide visual cues as to status and tone of conversations. For example, formal as opposed to informal occasions will require different attire and types of venues.
Values dressing to blend in with the group rather than to stand out.	Dress is often used to express individuality.

Chronomics refers to the study of nonverbal communication that relates to attitudes about time management.

Cambodian Culture	American Majority Culture
Relaxed attitude towards time.	Concern over how time is spent. Punctuality is very important. (e.g. time is money)

Silence and time refers to the study of nonverbal communication cues relating to the waiting time people will allow between utterances in speech or conversation.

Cambodian Culture	American Majority Culture
Taking turns to speak is not the rule.	Taking turns to speak is the rule. People will not interrupt or speak while others are speaking.
It is acceptable to be silent for longer periods when one or more people are together.	People become uncomfortable when there is a lull in the conversation.
Guests do not speak unless spoken to.	Guests may be considered inconsiderate if they do not talk to the host.
Speaking is not emphasized during meals.	Mealtime is often a time for socializing. Speaking is common and encouraged during meals.

Haptics refers to the study of touching during conversation such as handshakes, embracing, hugging, patting and kissing.

Cambodian Culture	American Majority Culture
Hugging, kissing and shaking hands are not common in Cambodia. Men and women do not show affection in public. NOTE: A person’s head is considered sacred so it is not appropriate to touch someone’s head or face.	Touching is avoided. Kissing is reserved for family and intimacy.
Cambodians bring their hands together, palms facing in a prayer-like motion, to their chest and bow when greeting another person.	A firm handshake is the most common form of greeting.
Hand holding among members of the same sex is considered a sign of friendship.	Hand holding is a public sign of affection among members of the opposite sex.
A smile cannot be assumed to be a sign of happiness or agreement. Some Cambodians may laugh in a situation that may be viewed by majority cultural standards as inappropriate; however, it may be a sign of nervousness.	A smile can usually be interpreted as happiness or agreement.

Kinesics refers to the study of body language and gestures such as head nodding, hand gestures and signals, and eye-to-eye contact.

Cambodian Culture	American Majority Culture
Eye Contact: Direct eye-to-eye contact is considered disrespectful, particularly between men and women.	Eye Contact: Children show respect through direct eye-to-eye contact.
Greetings: Students will greet their teachers very formally and call them “Teacher” to show respect. Informal greetings are considered disrespectful or rude.	Greetings: Students greet teachers informally by saying, “Hi….” or more formally as Ms.___, Mrs.___, or Mr.___.
Body placement and posture: Standing with arms crossed at the waist is considered respectful. When standing with arms at the side of the body indicates a show of strength.	Body placement and posture: Standing with arms at the sides of the body is common and indicates relaxed posture.
Standing with hands on the hips or arms behind the back or across the chest indicates a threatening, condescending or disrespectful manner.	Standing with hands on hips or across the chest may denote anger.
Sitting with legs crossed is considered disrespectful.	Sitting with legs crossed is common.
Putting feet up on a surface or showing the soles of the shoes is considered rude.	Putting feet up on a coffee table or ottoman may be common in one’s own home situation. It is, however, considered disrespectful behavior by a guest.
Facial expression: A smile cannot be assumed to be a sign of happiness or agreement. Some Cambodians may laugh in a situation that may be viewed by majority cultural standards as inappropriate; however, it may be a sign of nervousness.	Facial expression: A smile can usually be interpreted as happiness or agreement.

Proxemics refers to the study of personal and physical space. Personal space refers to the distance people allow between themselves and others in order to feel comfortable. Physical space refers to how people will arrange furniture and other artifacts as a way of reinforcing personal space.

Cambodian Culture	American Majority Culture
Personal space and physical space are not emphasized.	Both personal space and physical space are emphasized. (e.g. people stand three feet from each other when conversing.) Americans expect a large personal space ‘bubble’ and regard infringement of one’s personal space as rude or threatening.