Cues

There are so many ways that we as humans communicate to each other without words. Our facial expression, posture, and head movement are all small gestures that can influence any conversation. Oftentimes we don’t even notice the movements we make that keep a conversation going—or the ones that bring it to a halt. When we can understand these basic cues, we are that much closer to understanding our fellow man. The trouble comes when two different cultures with different methods of communication run into each other. Obviously this will tie into a trip to Tonga, where social norms are different than in America. For example, the dating there is different. Nick told us that we have to be more careful with how we treat boys in Tonga. Letting someone buy you something or spending too much time alone with them is a clear sign that you are interested. Of course, the same is generally true in the U.S., but to a different extent. 

I was interested in learning about how different cultures use their eyes. Anglos are scared of eye contact and avoid it as much as possible. They also avoid contact, keeping a large personal bubble around themselves. I notice this in myself, walking between classes, buying groceries, hugging only friends. Italians, Greeks, and Latinos consider touch part of social interaction. They kiss each other on the cheek, stand close to one another, and are not afraid to look into each other's eyes. Although these gestures seem subtle, if we are not accustomed to them, traveling can become a very uncomfortable experience. The article mentions that this eye contact might be connected with the fact that when babies are nursed the mother and baby share eye contact. The only other creature on earth that shares this trait are apes. Consequentially, we really greatly on the eyes to perceive and understand others.

I had a friend who went to BYU Hawaii for a semester. He said that everyone there made the hang loose sign as a hello or in pictures. At first he didn't really understand it, but eventually he also made the sign. Because it was part of the culture he was immersed in, he picked it up. And even when he came home to California, he still made the sign regularly. In Tonga, the social tendencies will be different than what I'm used to seeing everyday. Hopefully I'll understand these for what they are and eventually be able to interpret them correctly--and even use them myself. Overall, it's just important to understand that there are things besides language that set a group of people apart.