body language definitions

As explained, the terms body language and non-verbal communications are rather vague.

So what is body language? And more usefully, what might we regard it to be, if we are to make the most of studying and using it?

The xford !nglish "ictionary #revised $%%&' definition is(

)body language - noun - the conscious and unconscious movements and postures by which attitudes and feelings are communicated *for example+( his intent was clearly expressed in his body language.)

The xford ,usiness !nglish "ictionary offers a slightly different definition. Appropriately and interestingly the xford ,usiness !nglish "ictionary emphasi-es the sense that body language can be used as a tool, rather than it being an involuntary effect with no particular purpose(

)body language - noun - the process of communicating what you are feeling or thinking by the way you place and move your body rather than by words *for example+( The course trains sales people in reading the customer.s body language.)

The !" dictionary definition of kinesics - the technical term for body language - depends on the interpretation of .non-verbal communication.(

)kinesics - the study of the way in which certain body movements and gestures serve as a form of non-verbal communication.)

,ody language is more than those brief descriptions. ,ody language certainly also encompasses where the body is in relation to other bodies #often referred to as .personal space.'.

,ody language certainly also includes very small bodily movements such as facial expressions and eye movements. ,ody language also arguably covers all that we communicate through our bodies apart from the spoken words #thereby encompassing breathing, perspiration, pulse, blood-pressure, blushing, etc.'

/n this respect, standard dictionary definitions don.t always describe body language fully and properly.

0e could define body language more fully as(

),ody language is the unconscious and conscious transmission and interpretation of feelings, attitudes, and moods, through( body posture, movement, physical state, position and relationship to other bodies, ob1ects and surroundings, facial expression and eye movement,

#and this transmission and interpretation can be 2uite different to the spoken words'.)
3eople in4from parts of /ndia may to shake their head from side to side as a sign of agreement and active listening. /n the 564west we tend to nod our head to agree and affirm and to show we are listening7 in /ndia it is not unusual for people to move their heads from side to side in giving these reactions. /t is also seen as respectful practice. #Thanks S 8hurchill. /ncidentally on this point, sideways head-shaking of this sort is not a vigorous twisting movement7 it is usually more of a sideways tilting of the head from one side to the other.' This point #thanks 9 :ox' concerns eye contact. !ye contact #other than unwanted staring' is generally regarded as a positive aspect of body language in 0estern cultures, which in this context typically refers to white !uropean people and descendents. A specific difference regarding eye contact can be found in some black 8aribbean cultures however, whereby young people tend to be instructed not look at someone eye to eye when being told off or disciplined. 0hen cultures meet obviously this provides potential for friction, given the .0estern. expectation in such situations, for example, );ook at me when /.m talking to you). :ilipino people #and in fact many other people of all races' can find it offensive4uncomfortable when beckoned by a repeatedly curled index finger - the gesture evokes feelings of having done something wrong and being chastised for it.