Body language

The word “body” can have several different meanings. Regarding living things, body refers to the physical structure of a human being or an animal. It consists of many different organ systems such as integumentary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal. As humans, our physical body can manifest our appearance as well as any health problems. “Language” can be described as communication among people. It can be expressed in many forms including oral, signs and symbols, or the use of gestures. It is the ability to make our thoughts and emotions explicit to other individuals. There are many different languages around the world which are usually confined to a geographical area or a cultural tradition. However, there are other forms of language that enables humans to share their thoughts among each other, such as various forms of art.

Body language is a nonverbal way of communicating. It consists of gestures, postures, and facial expressions. It gives out clues to the receiver as to how we think or feel about something. It can show our emotions such as being happy, excited, aggressive, sad, or angry. Most of the time, the sender and the receiver send messages subconsciously. Studies show that about 60 to 80 percent of our communication is derived from nonverbal language. When verbally communicating, body language can indicate that a person is interested or is understanding what is being said by keeping direct eye contact and nodding their head. On the other hand, the person may shows signs of boredom or no interest to what is being said by yawning or looking around while the other person if speaking to them. One of the most typical physical expressions is when a person crosses his or her arms on the chest. This could indicate that a person is uncomfortable among strangers in a public place. It also has been known as a barrier to communication and a sign of disrespect. If it is accompanied by a blank facial expression, it could signify that a person lacks interest or is bored. Yet, it might not always be a negative attitude a person is demonstrating, it could mean that they are cold, and we’re usually able to tell by noticing other accompanied expressions. Another universal gesture is a shoulder shrug, which indicates that a person does not know something. It is revealed by exposed palms, hunched shoulders, and raised eyebrows. Other physical expressions are a nose touch in which a person rubs his nose several times or just once quickly could indicate that a person is covering up his own deceit or distrusts the speaker; pain in the neck gesture, in which a person looks away and holds his neck with one hand, could mean that a person is either lying or is frustrated.   

Body language is also associated with zone distance. Zone distance is the space around us that consists of intimate zone, personal zone, social zone, and public zone. The intimate zone is the one closest to us which extends from the surface of the skin to about 18 inches away. People tend to guard this zone the most and consider it their personal space. It is reserved only for those who are close to that individual such as a spouse, kids, close friends and family. A person may feel threatened if entered in his intimate space without permission and can guard himself. Personal zone is a little further out from 1.5 to 4 feet. This zone is mostly used when socializing with others, such as at parties. People may be reluctant to disclose personal information if someone is out of this zone. The social zone is from 4 to 12 feet and is the space we use with people we don’t know. It shows that a person is not caring and doesn’t have any respect when he tries to discuss personal matters with someone while being in this zone. Lastly, the public zone is the one that exceeds 12 feet. This distance is often used while giving a speech or talking to a large groups of people. Certain behaviors are expected to occur within each of these zones and others would be viewed inappropriate. For most European North Americans, these distances are generally the same. However, different cultures may have different boundaries for different behaviors. Hispanics, South Europeans, and Middle Easterners may perform certain behaviors at closer distances and not feel awkward. In contrast, Asians and Northern Europeans are usually not comfortable being close to people and are used to having more space. Body language may have more than one meaning for different people, especially if they are from a different culture.