Abstract: It is a necessary subject for western businessmen to learn how to deal with the relationship between the language, non-verbal communication and the culture in which they do business in order to ensure benign communication. Language is a tool of communication and it’s a carrier of the culture. Non-verbal communication is an indispensable part of communication, but people always pay more attention to verbal communication and ignore the non-verbal communication. This thesis demonstrates the differences and importance of non-verbal communication in western business by comparing the same non-verbal communication symbols which have a completely different meaning in another culture. It also aims to provide a better understanding of non-verbal communication for businessmen.
Key Words: non-verbal communication; western business; importance; differences
Introduction 1
1. The Definition of Non-verbal Communication and Its Main Contents 1
1.1 What is communication?…………………………………………………………………..1
1.2 The Definition of Non-verbal Communication 2
1.3 The Main Contents of Non-verbal Communication 2
2. The Different Meanings of the Categories of Non-verbal Communication While We Do Business in the Cross Cultural Context 2
2.1 Dress and Appearance 2
2.2 Eye Contact 3
2.3 Facial Expression …………………………………………………………...………….4
2.4 Personal Space ………………………………………………………………………5
2.5 Touch………………………………………………………………………………………6
2.6 Postures……………………………………………………………………...….…………6
2.7 Gestures………………………………………..……………………………...…………..7
2.8 Adornment………….……………………………………………………………………...8
3. The Importance of Non-verbal Communication in the Western Business .9
3.1 Why Is Non-verbal Communication Important?……………………………….......……….9
3.2 Why Are Non-verbal Communication Skills So Important?…………………..…………...9
3.3 The Importance of Non-verbal Communication…………………………………..………10
4. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………..……….10
Bibliography………..……………………………………………..……………………………...13
