试论非言语交际中的性别差异

徐 虹

[摘要] 虽然男性和女性在交际中使用同一套语言系统,但由于一些社会因素及个人原因,他们在非言语交际中会表现出细微的性别差异。

[关键词] 交际 非言语交际 性别差异

1 Introduction

It is well-known that men and women use the same form of language for verbal communication, but in addition to the spoken language that we hear daily, a host of silent messages continually occurs around us. These messages make up a nonverbal code, which is used and responded to by us all. The nonverbal dimension of communication is extensive and important. Some scholars estimate that the nonverbal message carries 4.3 times the weight of the verbal message, and they think it more significant than verbal language.

Like language, nonverbal communication is influenced by a number of factors, of which an important one is Gender. Men and women construct their gender identities through differences in their nonverbal communication, thus it is not surprising when we consider some of the ways in which nonverbal behaviors express meanings of gender in our society.

To be more skilled communicators, we need to be aware of the significant gender-related differences in nonverbal communication patterns and their important implications in the lives of women and men. Also the causes of these differences should be paid attention to.

2 The differences between men's and women's nonverbal speech

The differences between men's and women's nonverbal speech can be studied in terms of three categories: one group of visual cues, which include eye contact, facial expressions, touch, gestures and clothing; one group of environmental factors, such as body position and space; and the other group of vocal features constituted by inflection, volume, pitch, etc.

3 Causes of gender-related nonverbal differences

The aim of this paper is to examine gender-related differences in nonverbal communication. But merely exploring different behaviors may help us little, unless we attempt to speculate on what is behind the differences. Scholars point out that social roles, cultural elaboration and personality differences are the main causes.

4 Conclusion

The study of nonverbal communication is important to anyone interested in human social behavior. Nonverbal behaviors tell an eloquent, though often subtle and unconscious, story of how we feel about others, the roles we desire to enact from moment to moment, and the cultural expectations we have grown up with.

There can be no doubt that our gender-whether we are male or female-and the gender of others with whom we interact are major factors in social perception and communications. As a person's social identity depends significantly on nonverbal behavioral style, the study of nonverbal gender differences should deserve our close attention.

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