A comparative study of nonverbal communication strategies between Japan and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Communication is a basic part of all human behaviors. Humans communicate using language. However, it is becoming far more evident now. Human communication is effected through Nonverbal means such as, eye contacts, gestures, postures, looks etc. Nonverbal communication has been defined as communication without words. Nonverbal communication is different from one language to another language, one culture to another culture, from one country to another and one society to another. Nonverbal communication plays a major role in human communication. When considering Nonverbal communication styles of Japan and Sri Lanka, it is also different. Japanese language learners of Sri Lanka encounter the problem of understanding nonverbal communication of Japanese people. Therefore, misunderstandings quotes in both Sri Lankans and Japanese and it leads to make the communication unsuccessful even though the used language (grammar and words) is perfect. For example, eye contact where Japanese people lower their eyes when speaking to a superior as a gesture of respect. But in Sri Lanka if someone lower their eyes when speaking to a superior it means he or she is dishonest or feeling guilty. Also, crossing legs when sitting in Japan means he or she is the superior. But in Sri Lanka it is only a sitting position. Considering such instances, the purpose of this research is to show the effect and differences of the nonverbal communication between Japanese and Sri Lankan. This research will describe the way of touching and spacing affect Japanese and Sri Lankans when using nonverbal communication. Finally, it was expected that the findings of this research will support the development of Japanese language education in Sri Lanka.