Филологические науки/7. Язык, речь, речевая коммуникация

Koilekbayev M., Ganyukova A. A.

The Karaganda state university named after E.A. Buketov

Non-verbal communication as a way of self-expression

In human society, communication can be carried out by both verbal and non-verbal means. Verbal communication is a basic human and universal means of communication. Any other way of interaction can be expressed by means of language. However, as already mentioned, by means of language not everything can be expressed, the percentage of verbal communication is 35%.

Non-verbal communication is communication, exchange of information without words, it covers 65%. They are gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice and sign systems. All of these methods of communication by analogy sometimes also called languages that are primary and secondary, or natural and artificial.

The primary language signals directly to represent meanings. For example, facial expressions is the primary language, facial signals of our face immediately indicate some state message. In fact, verbal language, i.e., human speech is also the primary language. To the secondary non-verbal languages we can refer: the Morse code, the system of musical notation, language, alarm system flags in the Navy, smoke alarm system, warning system of civil defense, etc. As you can see, natural languages are primary, artificial languages - are secondary ones. Body language can tell a lot about the feelings and intentions of the communicants. Of course, body language goes back to the communicative behavior of animals, which is studied by special science - ethology (the study of the social behavior of animals). Animals are distinguished from each other poses and gestures of intimidation, reconciliation, love and intentions etc. Even we, communicating closely with some animals can correctly interpret their posture, actions that do exactly signaling role. Similarly, body language informs us about bodies and persons. For example, a woman walking towards the wrist is removed, and the men - the elbows. The whole body language includes four information transmission methods.

1. Gestures that is a way of using hand sign. You can, for example, waving his hand invitingly from the other end of the hall, drawing attention. You can twist the hand at a temple or make fended irritable gesture. Applause also a gesture meaning greeting or gratitude. One or two clapping - a way to attract attention. In many pagan religions clapping attracted the attention of the gods before prayer.

It is noticeable that all these gestures are used in situations where people, for some reason, can not send a message in everyday language. That is the secondary language gestures are replaced with ordinary language. While the primary language of gestures, do not replace, but directly express emotion or some value.

Similar to the signs of body language, head movement serves. The most common - nodding, nod, swinging that express consent, understanding, denial. Similar in its semantics with motion gestures shoulders. For example, a person can shrug - express confusion or to report: I do not know.

2. Facial expressions - a way to use facial expressions. Man is able to distinguish and interpret the subtle movements of facial muscles. The position or movement of parts, the person performs the symbolic function: eyebrows may be raised in surprise, anger, fear or a salutation. Face reading - physiognomy - engaged in Aristotle.

Mimicry as a way of communicating is present in higher animals - apes. However, although their faces sometimes similar to human, but often express a different meaning. For example, teeth that we could find a smile in monkeys express threat. Monkey simply raises the gums and teeth shows. Many mammals do in this way, e.g. dogs, tigers, wolves and so on. By the way, the same sign of the threat was apparently peculiar once and a human in some primitive society grin and is not only a smile, but also a sign of threat or bitterness. It should include facial expressions and signaling eyes. It is known as the women flirt, shooting eyes. Batting eyelashes, we can say yes. Direct, open look in the eye is considered a sign of a strong and free man. In animal world, there were cases when a male gorilla attacked the cameraman, seeing gleaming lens camera as a direct eye contact as a challenge.

3. The position of the body. It is believed that a relaxed posture shows confidence in the interlocutor. Signs transmitted body is very important at the first meeting, when any aspect of the personality, the character have not yet manifested. We can also distinguish between the aggressive position of the body when a person is tense and ready to move, his body forward slightly filed, as if preparing to throw. This situation is like a body signals us about possible aggression.

Body position in space can also be informative. For example, personal space known phenomenon that in the European culture is from 80 cm to 1 m. There are other differences in the cultures associated with the position of the body. For example, the Americans consider normal stand sideways to each other while talking, but here it can be perceived as a sign of disrespect.

4. Tactile communication: touching, patting, etc. Using the tactile elements of communication also speaks of the mutual relations, status, and degree of friendship between the communicants. The close people express their relationship by hugging, stroking, kissing. Friendly relations can be expressed by shaking hands, clapping on the shoulder. Teens, exactly like young animals, are to mimic fights - they playfully fighting for the lead. These relationships are expressed in their butting, kicking and captured. Of course, every kind of touching is appropriate in certain situations, and only in certain situations can transmit some sense, that is perceived as a manifestation of the communicative intent.

Thus, non-verbal communication is an extremely complex integral part of overall communication skills yet. However, people are often totally unaware of their non-verbal behavior.

The basic awareness of non-verbal communication strategies, regarded above, can help to improve interaction with others. Knowledge of these signs can be used to encourage people to talk about their concerns and can lead to a greater shared understanding, which is, after all, the purpose of communication.