How to communicate without words? The keys to body language
Without even saying a word, our bodies speak. Our faces, movements, posture, and even the space we choose to maintain in front of others are constantly sending signals. This silent system of communication, known as nonverbal language, has been the subject of study in the field of psychology for many years.
Unlike spoken language, which relies on grammatical rules and formal structures, nonverbal communication manifests itself more spontaneously, without the need for a common "dictionary." Yet, it is deeply expressive: how someone moves, how they sit, or even how they dress tells us a lot about how they feel, how they see themselves, or how they wish to be perceived.
Read: What is hydroplaning and how to prevent this danger when driving. Kinesiology: What body language reveals.Within the world of body language, there is a branch called kinesiology, which analyzes gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and posture. This field straddles the physiological and communicative.
Body orientation also has a lot to say. Standing in front of someone can express authority or confrontation, while standing to their side can denote closeness or complicity. However, It should be noted that these interpretations may change depending on the culture or social context.
The space we occupy and the distance we maintain from others are fundamental parts of our communication. This area is studied within proxemics, a field that analyzes how we use and perceive space. Anthropologist Edward Hall defined different zones of interaction, at least within the American context:
- From the intimate sphere (less than half a meter).
- And the public sphere (more than four meters).
These distances adapt according to the situation, the relationship between people, and, again, the cultural environment. Furthermore, humans also display territorial behaviors, just as animals do. Choosing the same seat in a meeting room or spreading personal belongings around a table is not accidental: it's a way of expressing belonging or control.
Beyond words, tone of voice, rhythm, speed of speech, and other aspects of speech that are not related to the content itself are part of paralinguistics. This discipline investigates how these qualities are able to convey emotions and attitudes.
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