Basic information about Body language

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• ·         Body language is probably one of the most important areas of communicating, especially for anthropologists.
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• ·         A smile can be interpreted as submissive or aggressive depending on the culture.
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• ·         Gestures are often misinterpreted due to cultural differences.
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• ·         Eye contact in general Canadian society is usually accepted and encouraged; avoiding eye contact is generally seen as a sign of deception or evasion.
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• ·         Distance between speakers varies enormously by culture as well. In North America, it generally follows these guidelines:
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• 1.       Public (audience and speaker): 3.7-7.6m
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• 2.       Social (in business and between strangers in public): 1.2-3.0m
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• 3.       Personal (between friends and family members, customers waiting in line): 0.6-1.2m
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• 4.       Intimate: less than 0.3m; romantic or best friends: whispering and touching involved.