Given America's diverse ethnic population, nonverbal cross-cultural communication occurs in a variety of settings. Nonverbal communication serves as a bridge for foreign language speakers making the transition to bilingualism. The global marketplace mandates cross-cultural business communication on a daily basis, a sizable portion of which is nonverbal. A review of the literature on nonverbal cross-cultural communication shows evidence of serious research in this field.
Axtell, R. (1991) Gestures: The dos and taboos of body language around the world. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Axtell discusses the power of nonverbal communication in a comprehensive book that is invaluable to tourists or business travelers. One section of the book describes the most common cultural gestures, e.g., greetings, insults, beckonings, etc. Another section explains gestures involving all major body parts. A country-by-country listing describes the types of nonverbal communication in common use throughout the world. Helpful illustrations assist the reader in comprehending gestures that would be difficult or impossible to visualize using the printed word alone.
Munter, M. (1993, May-June). Cross-cultural communication for managers. Business Horizons, 69-78.
Munter's research is geared toward helping managers be effective cross-cultural communicators. The author synthesizes information from a variety of disciplines--anthropology, psychology, linguistics, and organizational behavior. According to Munter, managers must consider seven issues even before they communicate. These issues relate to setting communication objectives, choosing a communications style, credibility, audience dynamics, message strategy, overcoming language difficulties, and appropriate nonverbal behavior. Munter's work provides needed insight into the thought processes that should precede cross-cultural communication. An extensive reference list is included...