Jimmy
8th May 2006, 03:29 AM
Hi Guys,
We've had a few South American exchange students over the years (Bolivia and Peru) and one thing I've learnt is that appart from the language difference, the body language differences can be immense and can really cause problems with communication if one is not aware of the differences. A strong stare, a quick turn of the head, or unexpected silence etc. can really be interpreted wrongly :eek:, when culturally that kind of action is fine in their home country, and they don't mean what you think they do.
Are you able to highlight any differences in body language (particularly ones where the english world may interpret them as rude, but to the spanish they are fine - and vice versa, things we do that the spanish may find rude or confusing)? :confused:
Gracias,
We've had a few South American exchange students over the years (Bolivia and Peru) and one thing I've learnt is that appart from the language difference, the body language differences can be immense and can really cause problems with communication if one is not aware of the differences. A strong stare, a quick turn of the head, or unexpected silence etc. can really be interpreted wrongly :eek:, when culturally that kind of action is fine in their home country, and they don't mean what you think they do.
Are you able to highlight any differences in body language (particularly ones where the english world may interpret them as rude, but to the spanish they are fine - and vice versa, things we do that the spanish may find rude or confusing)? :confused:
Gracias,