Nonverbal communication in crosscultural counseling: A literature review

Abstract

The body of this article is a review (though not necessarily exhaustive) of current literature on nonverbal behavior as it is found in different cultures The review is specifically aimed at counselors involved In crosscultural counseling Material is presented on Klneslcs, Proxemlcs and Paralanguage three categories of nonverbal behavior that are expected to occur in counseling Concluding remarks include a discussion of research methods employed, and of two opposing viewpoints underlying the presented research

Cultural Diversity from an International Perspective, Part 2

“…Nonverbal communication takes entirely new dimensions when working with international students. Considerable research has taken place to attempt to determine universals in nonverbal communication (Alexander et al, 1981;Dillard & Chisolm, 1983;Meleis, 1982;Shana'a, 1978;Vogelaar & Silverman, 1984;Wolfgang, 1985). It seems that there are still no cultural "maps," and little in the realm of shared expectancies, to guide counselors in understanding nonverbal cues in other cultures.…”

Advising and counseling the international student

“…A Japanese student who smiles throughout the counseling session and an African student who has difficulty maintaining eye contact and looks at the floor during most of the session may be indicating nothing more than respect for the counselor. Contradictions in findings on nonverbal behavior in different cultures make interpreting nonverbal behavior especially challenging for counselors of foreign students (Vogelaar and Silverman, 1984).…”

Counseling international students: Issues, concerns, and programs

“…To cope with this, counselors must make the effort to learn the different cues and messages that the international student clients may be communicating (Alexander et al, 1981;Dillard & Chisolm, 1983;Meleis, 1982;Shana'a, 1978). An annotated bibliography of the literature on nonverbal behavior is presented by Vogelaar and Silverman (1984). These authors point to the Western orientations of the studies reviewed and to the contradictions among research reports.…”