If the function of communication is to create meaning, why do we study nonverbal communication?

Question

Why is nonverbal communication studied?

Answer 1

The first scientific study of nonverbal communication was Charles Darwin's book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872). He argued that all mammals show emotion reliably in their faces. Studies now range across a number of fields, including kinesics, linguistics, semiotics and social psychology. Proxemics refers to how people use and interpret space.

While much nonverbal communication is based on arbitrary symbols which differ from culture to culture, a large proportion is also to some extent iconic and may be universally understood. Paul Ekman's influential 1960s studies of facial expression determined that expressions of anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness and surprise are universal.

Answer 2

We study nonverbal communication to determine how meaning is created in an environment of communication without words. As someone so aptly put it: "A picture is worth a thousand words". Time and again, life-changing events are captured in a photograph of a moment in which the expressions and stances of people communicate volumes of meaning. A good example is the photo of the emergency worker carrying the dead baby away from the scene of the Oklahoma bombing. His expression touched a chord in all who saw the picture and created a more personal meaning of the event for people who had never even seen the building before.

Answer 3

key body language or understanding body language into the web,there's a lot of helpful information on this subject, for you. I'm pretty sure if you key in nonverbal forms of communication you'll get something there.

Answer 4

nonverbal communications creates lots of meaning.
for example when i stick out my tongue it has a meaning to you
or give you the finger.
or make a come-here gesture with my index finger.
or when i wink at you. or moon you. or put my index finger on my lips "shhhh"...
nonverbal communication has meanings you already understand.

Answer 5

Because it's important and we all understand it in some form or fashion.

Every culture and community of people has their own and it's all different.

Nonverbal is just as important as verbal. How else are we able to read people without them even speaking?

Answer 6

Because it is just as informative as verbal communication - just a different means. It can also negate what is said verbally so it's important to understand it in order to communicate effectively.

Answer 7

Because sometimes the meaning of something can be displayed through facial expressions far more effectively than speaking....it's also keen to know how to read someone ... for example..., they may say yes to something (but their facial or body expressions may actually tell you no...and vice versa).

Answer 8

Because you can't really grasp the meaning unless you see facial expressions that go with the words.

You're an Ars** hole** with a smile. .. is far different then saying them same words with a mad expression on your face.