If you came to China or India, but don’t speak local languages, if you don’t know how to explain to the Frenchman, lost in Moscow, where Red Square is, you need to know how to non-verbal communication with foreigners.
You will need
illustrated phrasebook
Instruction manual
1
For many, the word “communication” implies verbal communication, but a person reads most of the information before pronouncing the text. Non-verbal (non-verbal) form of communication includes gestures, facial expressions, postures, eye contact, tactile sensations from touch. Thus, you can communicate with a representative of any nationality if you do not speak a foreign language at all.
Learn sign language. Gesturing helps reinforce words with movement. A nod, a tilt of the head, warning hand gestures, a pat on the shoulder - all this indicates the psychological state of the interlocutor.
2
Pay attention to facial expression, intonation and articulation. Facial expressions can help establish contact or repulse the interlocutor. Take off your sunglasses, look into the eyes of the interlocutor, smile at him. Try not to strain yourself internally, even if for you communicating with a foreigner is a stressful situation. Relax, because your task is to understand what you are being asked or asked, or to find out something yourself.
3
Use illustrated dictionaries and phrasebooks. Nouns and verbs are indicated by pictures. You can easily find out where the nearest bank or cafe is located, you can ask for medical help or choose a dress of the right color.
4
Use your artistic abilities. If the phrasebook or dictionary is not at hand, you can try to draw a diagram that would indicate your question. Since childhood, everyone has been familiar with international symbols that you can use: a house, an ambulance cross, a fire flame, an arrow, etc. Symbols surround us everywhere and, as a rule, they are read by a representative of any nation.
The main thing is to have patience to explain what you want again with new means.
note
There are gestures that “deceive”: a fist with a protruding thumb up in Europe is a sign of highest approval, but in Muslim countries this gesture is considered indecent. A nod to Russians is considered a sign of agreement, while Bulgarians, Turks, Albanians nod, expressing denial.
Helpful advice
Non-verbal communication is a good way to learn to understand a person’s state without words and explanations, but nevertheless, the language is given to be used. Learn foreign languages!
