Like culture, nonverbal behavior is learned, passed on from generation to generation, and involves shared understanding. Studying cultural nonverbal patterns can help us identify our own ethnocentric attitudes. Types of nonverbal communication 1. But standards and judgments regarding attractiveness are subject to cultural variations. Clothing and skin color can also influence how we perceive and communicate with others.
All cultures have some system for understanding the meaning of movement.
The meanings conveyed via body movements may be different in different cultures. Although facial expressions can be very individualistic and may not convey cultural meanings, the display and intensity of emotion is very culturally based. Our interpersonal relationships are affected by how we use our eyes. Culture modifies how much eye contact we may engage in and with whom. The meaning inferred from touch is influenced by such factors as the mood or state we are in, relationship with the toucher, past history, duration of the touch, location of the touch, whether the touch is active or passive.