In my Communications class we are discussing how eye contact is important when giving an oral presentation. My teacher asked the question which countries and cultures don't use eye contact? What assumptions and rules do they have concerning lack of eye contact?
I thought I could find something online that would help me, but I haven't found anything. Can someone helop me please? Thanks.
Some cultures do find it rude when you show eye contact. Many Asian cultures do believe so. I am not sure what in particular. Read bellow if it helps. If I am not answering your questions, please tell me:
Nonverbal communication expresses meaning or feeling without words. Universal emotions, such as happiness, fear, sadness, are expressed in a similar nonverbal way throughout the world. There are, however, nonverbal differences across cultures that may be a source of confusion for foreigners. Let's look at the way people express sadness. In many cultures, such as the Arab and Iranian cultures, people express grief openly. They mourn out loud, while people from other cultures (e.g., China and Japan) are more subdued. In Asian cultures, the general belief is that is is unacceptable to show emotion openly (whether sadness, happiness, or pain).
To find information about which countries and cultures don't use eye contact, you can try the following steps:
1. Begin by searching the internet using specific keywords such as "cultures that avoid eye contact," "countries with different eye contact customs," or "cultural variations in eye contact." This will help you narrow down the search results to relevant information.
2. Look for credible and authoritative sources such as academic research articles, cross-cultural studies, or books on intercultural communication. These sources are more likely to provide accurate and detailed information about different cultural customs regarding eye contact.
3. Consider searching for case studies or personal anecdotes from individuals who have experienced or lived in different cultures. This firsthand information can provide insights into specific cultural norms and assumptions related to eye contact.
4. It's also helpful to consult anthropological or ethnographic studies that focus on different cultures and their communication practices. These studies often provide in-depth analysis of nonverbal communication behaviors, including eye contact.
Remember to critically evaluate the information you find by considering the credibility and reliability of the source. It's always a good idea to consult multiple sources to ensure accuracy and to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
As for assumptions and rules concerning the lack of eye contact, it may vary from culture to culture. Some cultures may place a higher emphasis on respecting authority or maintaining personal boundaries, while others may view direct eye contact as confrontational or disrespectful. Exploring reputable sources will help you uncover these specific cultural beliefs and norms surrounding eye contact.