Nonverbal Language and
Communication
Why would
it be important to understand nonverbal communication in certain cultures? How
would it help you while you interact with those from that culture? By
understanding nonverbal communication from unfamiliar cultures, you can then
communicate effectively with those from different cultures. It can prevent
misunderstandings, it can build trust, and it will allow you to have an
accurate understanding and interpretation of messages that the speaker may be
trying to relay to you. Things such as eye contact or gestures tend to vary
among different cultures, and by even knowing these and what certain gestures
may mean to them can avoid you being offensive on accident. By knowing these
nonverbal cues, you can foster and create better relationships with those who
come from a different culture from yourself. (EBSCO).
Some
potential obstacles you may come across to accurately understand nonverbal
messages and cues of other people can be different interpretations of certain
body language. There may be cultural differences or understandings in they way
someone may make eye contact with you that you may be unfamiliar with. To them,
it may represent something as you are challenging them, or you are trying to
have power over them. While you may not interpret it as that, in certain
cultures this could be considered offensive. (EngineerInclusion). Personal
space is another example, where someone may be more comfortable with having little
space between you and themselves, while others may keep larger personal space
bubbles. By understanding how unfamiliar cultures interpret these nonverbal
actions and cues, this can again prevent any sort of anyone accidentally
offending another.
How do Icelanders use Nonverbal
Communication and Language?
There are many different verbal cues and body
language one may use to communicate. In Iceland, they are known to look into
your eyes and maintain eye contact. This is seen as a sign of respect, and
people typically tend to make eye contact, especially when greeting one
another, or even a handshake. (Erla S. Kristjánsdóttir). For example, in a
business meeting, one may typically stand up and greet each other before the
meeting begins, typically with a handshake. By making eye contact during this
greeting and handshake, you are showing respect to the other individuals in the
room, starting the meeting off on the right foot.
In
Iceland, they do not make very many gestures with their hands when they speak
compared to other cultures, like in the United States for example. The reason
for this behavior is that people in Iceland tend to be more reserved and tend
to have a fear of making a fool of themselves in front of others. (Erla S.
Kristjánsdóttir). They tend to be worried about what others, especially other
Icelanders, may think of them if they do so, and they are worried about being
shamed if they make a mistake of some kind. Therefore, those in Iceland tend to
pause and think before they act or respond to someone else, as they want to
make sure they are seen as they know what they are doing.
With
personal space, Icelanders tend to take and value their own personal space with
high regard. In some instances, one may want to be alone, where they do not
want their personal space invaded. In other instances, they may leave their
homes to go out in public, such as a pub or a bar, or even host a party in
their homes just to meet other people. Most of the time, Icelanders tend to
keep to themselves and tend to be very reserved. (Icelandic Language Blog).
In
Iceland, it is a primarily monochronic culture when it comes to time. Time is
inflexible, schedules are followed very closely, and time can be able to be
divided with ease. Icelanders are punctual, and they all value time management.
It is common, and almost expected that you show up 10 minutes before an
appointment or meeting, as arriving late is a sign of disrespect. Overtime, and
more recently, there has been a change in what we see in time and deadlines,
where they are becoming more relaxed. The reason that this change seems to come
is due to the reason that it takes some time to focus on details in certain
contracts or agreements, so in order to be able to make sure everything is all
well, deadlines may not always be met, which is starting to be more of a norm
nowadays in Iceland. By knowing how Icelander’s value being punctual, if you
ever decide to travel, you can note to show up early to things, to make sure
that you are not being disrespectful. If you ever have an appointment, you can
always make sure to show up on time, or if you have a deadline, make sure to
meet the expectations of your submission being on time.
References and Sources
https://engineerinclusion.com/barriers-and-bridges-to-effective-communication/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326096891_Communication_Modes_Icelandic
https://www.flightcentre.ca/window-seat/travel-etiquette-101-iceland
https://blogs.transparent.com/icelandic/2015/03/26/10-steps-to-becoming-an-icelander/
https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/22584/1/MIB0515_Thesis_Inga_Juliusdottir.pdf
Image sourced from: LIS Education Network