Abstract

This study explores the cultural differences in non-verbal communication styles which might

output some misunderstandings that create obstacles and issues when communicating . Since

language and culture go hand in hand and complete each other, we need to know about

different cultures to avoid misinterpretation, so that we can submit intercultural

communication easily. The work summarizes the effective integration of non-verbal

communication (NVC) into language and the influence of diffrent cultural background on

communication it self . To this end, the present research aims at highlighting how could

countries of diverse cultural backgrounds understand each other. Therefore, we’re going to

compare two of the world’s oldest and wealthier cultures (chinese and algerian cultures) in

order to provide sufficient evidence followed by convincing results. The survey is conducted

by a qualitative research method using a semi-structured interview data collection strategy

Keywords: non-verbal communication (NVC) non-verbal communication styles,

cultural differences, cultural background

 General Introduction

Non verbal-communication is used in everyday life from greeting a stranger to

touching a lover. Communication is an ongoing process of sending and receiving messages

that enables human to share knowledge, ideas, thoughts, information, emotions, and attitudes,

however ; successful relationships are based on good communication, both personally and

professionally using verbal and nonverbal language. Nonetheless, much of our

communication takes place at the nonverbal level; only a small percentage of our human

brain can process verbal communication.

In fact, NVC expresses meaning or feeling without words. Universal emotions, such

as happiness, fear, sadness, are expressed in a similar NV way throughout the world. There

are, however, nonverbal differences across cultures that may be a source of confusion for

foreigners, which is why it is important to study one’s own culture as a way of becoming

aware of these cultural differences.

Additionally, with the development of the world and globalization, relationships in

many domains have become more and more intercultural. Non-verbal communication and

cultural differences have become an important part and played many important roles in

intercultural situations.

1.Statement of the problem

Non-verbal communication is an indirect method and one of the most effective

communication form which helps in making a meaningful interaction among people and it

contributes to comprehension. However, people from different cultures communicate

differently non-verbally, but it is necessary for one to recognize the NV differences and

understand them to converse well.

 Accordingly, the speaker and listener of different cultures usually fail to reach successful

and appropriate NVC due to its variation across cultures and since people from various

cultural backgrounds have special ways of using it. This problem results and often leads to

miscommunication, and misinterpretation of non-verbal messages. The present study tries to

investigate cross cultural differences and non-verbal behavior between China and Algeria.

2.Research questions

The majority of Chinese and Algerian expats face serious problems when they

immerse themselves in a new culture mainly in NVC. Thus they lack knowledge about the

effective NV strategies that can best help them develop their intercultural abilities. Therefore,

this strategies can be one way to achieve the former purpose.

Our research attempts then to answer the following questions:

• Does the appropriate use of non verbal behaviors enhance Chinese/Algerian’s

comprehension?

• Are expatiates aware about the usage of non-verbal strategies in China and Algeria?

• Does the awareness of the non-verbal communication affects the communication

process in cross cultural situations?

3.Aim of the study

Non-verbal behaviors are very vital for the communication process as it helps people to

understand and interact with others from different cultures. It also helps them to get involved

in a new country and coexist more actively and effectively. In other words, nonverbal

communication is a key element in everyday conversation and it’s aspects are amongst the
most important factors that can help expats and even natives to enhance their communication

abilities and achieve good comprehension.

This study aims at investigating non-verbal communication and its great contributions to

the diffusion of Cultures; as well as, to investigate Chinese and Algerian’s perceptions and

attitudes toward non-verbal behaviors.

4.Research Methodology and Design

4.1.Choice of the Method

The current study has been conducted through the qualitative method. It aims at

administrating and analyzing both Algerian’s and chinese’interview.

4.2.Research Population and Sample

The research population includes native speakers of both Chinese and Algerian

language. Its sample contains Two participants who speak the two targeted languages i.e.

Chinese, Algerian(Arabic) were identified by us to take part in the study as interviewees.

They are selected for the fact that they are supposed to have a significant experience and a great deal

to share about intercultural communication through their experience in their native/host

country, and hence be a good sample for our research. The two interviews would provide us

with enough information about the Chinese’and Algerian’s awareness and use of the

nonverbal communication. This would help in discovering more information concerning non-

verbal communication and its great contributions to the diffusion of Cultures.

4.3.Data Gathering Tools

To reach the research goal, the two interviews would provide us with enough

information about Chinese’ and Algerians’ awareness and use of nonverbal strategies. This
would help in discovering more information concerning the effectiveness of non verbal

communication on comprehension across cultures.

6. The Structure of the Dissertation

The present research work is divided into five chapters; where first chapter

synthesized the theoretical background of the research topic and three other chapters

represent the practical part of the research. The review of literature, provides general

definitions of nonverbal communication, culture and cultural differences. In addition to that,

it focuses also on the components and history of non veral communication, characteristics,

influence, non-verbal communication competence, and it briefly describes types of NVC.

Furthermore; models and theories of NVC, culture, and cultural diversity. Moreover, this

chapter highlights different non verbal communication comprehension difficulties across

cultures and concludes by highlighting the main nonverbal behaviors used by both countries

China and Algeria. The three chapters are purely practical “field investigation”; and thus,

discussed the methodology used and data analysis by dealing with the description and

administration of Chinese’ and Algerians’ interviews. These chapters also provide a summary

of the obtained results, from both interviews. The research as a whole ends with a general

conclusion; where some pedagogical implications for developing non verbal comprehension

strategies. Some recommendations for future studies are stated as well as the research

limitations of the research.

 In our research the appropriate method that should be used is the qualitative method.

The population of our study are native speakers of Chinese and Algerian language, and the

study population are those who can communicate in english as a second language. Two

participants who speak the two targeted language i.e. Chinese, Algerian Arabic as a mother

tongue were identified by us to take part in the study as interviewees.

This qualitative study aimed at exploring the factors that cause non-verbal language barriers,

their types and impact on effective communication,

The purpose of this academic resaerch study is to examine the degree of similarity and

dissimilarity across cultural through two selected cultures (Chinese, Algerian). The present

work intended to prove the effective integration of non-verbal communication into language

and the influence of cultural differences on communication itself.

the current master project is not intended to make non-verbal communication

essential, but to explore the impact of it on language and the role of cultural differences in

intercultural communication. Through this study, we also aim at defining the term non-verbal

communication that is used interchangeably with body language and facial expressions ,and

then discuss the provided cultural differences. Hence, we have chosen two different cultures

to compare which are Chinese and Algerian cultures. For this purpose a semi-structured

interview was held with a Chinese native speaker and an Algerian. Thus, through our

research we will try to answer the following questions:

 It is assumed in this study that:

1-Nonverbal cues affect how people understand what you are attempting to communicate,

and their reaction corresponds to how you delivered your message.

2- Culture does not always determine the message of nonverbal communication. The

individual's personality, the context, and the relationship also may influence its meaning.