Eye contact

In USA, eye contact indicates: degree of attention or interest, influences attitude change
or persuasion, regulates interaction, communicates emotion, defines power and status, and has a
central role in managing impressions of others.

Western cultures, see direct eye to eye contact as positive (advise children to look a
person in the eyes). But within USA, African-Americans use more eye contact when talking and
less when listening with reverse true for Anglo Americans.  This is a possible cause for some
sense of unease between races in US.  A prolonged gaze is often seen as a sign of sexual interest.

Here in Philippines particularly in Silang Cavite area, men are usually not engaging to an
eye to eye contact especially when you’re walking through the streets and saw other men talking
nearby. Because other men might be thinking that you are engaging a fight with them because
you are looking at them. But if you are well-known in that particular area it is good to have an
eye contact and move your head up it means you are greeting each other. For women here in
Silang Cavite, sometimes engaging an eye to eye contact with them is not good because they
might think that you are in to them or have a crush on them. A Prolonged gaze also often sees as
a sign of sexual interest.

Personal Space And Touch

Different cultures have different attitudes to personal space. It’s important to understand
what those attitudes are in order to achieve effective cross-cultural communication. Touch is
culturally determined, but each culture has a clear concept of what parts of the body one may not
touch.

For example: In USA, handshake is common (even for strangers), hugs, and kisses for those of
opposite gender or of family (usually) on an increasingly more intimate basis. The differences
between African-Americans and Anglos in USA, most African Americans touch on greeting but
are annoyed if touched on the head. As for Islamic and Hindu, typically they don’t touch with the
left hand mainly because; to do so is a social insult. Islamic cultures generally don’t approve of
any touching between genders, even handshakes.  But consider such touching like holding hands
and hugs between same-sex to be appropriate.

Here in the Philippines the common gesture used to greet is known as “mano”, often
referred to as “bless” in English. Mano is performed as a sign of respect towards elders and as a
way of accepting a blessing from the elder. Similar to kissing a hand, the person offering a mano
will bow towards the offered hand and press their forehead on the hand. Sometimes they will ask
“mano po” to the elder in order to ask permission to perform the gesture. It is usually performed
when visiting an elder or upon entering a house or gathering. Although the mano gesture is still
widely used, some Filipinos have replaced the gesture with the “beso-beso” (a cheek to cheek
kiss).
 Conclusion

Communication is a way of interacting with one another by exchanging

information. However, every culture in communication can be a hindrance in terms of
understanding one’s perspective. By understanding someone’s culture and attitudes
you can achieve a very effective cross-cultural communications. In order to understand
someone’s culture you need to be open-minded, and have a respect towards one
another. Acceptance is also essential in understanding someone’s culture. However,
you need to maintain standards of respectable behavior.

References

Non Verbal Communication (andrews.edu)

Filipino Culture - Greetings — Cultural Atlas (sbs.com.au)