Aims of the study
The study is aimed at investigating hand gesture used by American and Vietnamese people in nonverbal communication Therefore, the following objectives need fulfilling The study is to:
-identify common hand gestures used by American and Vietnamese people in communication
-figure out the meanings of hand gesture in the implication of teaching English at HPU
-find out the challenges that HPU students encounter when using hand gestures in non-verbal communication.
The research questions
-What are the common hand gestures used by American and Vietnamese people
-What is the difference in using hand gestures in Vietnam and America? -What challenges do HPU students encounter when using hand gestures in non-verbal communication.
Scope of the study
Due to the limit of time and ability, the study is focused on six common hand gestures but it cannot cover all the hand gestures used by American and
Vietnamese people Moreover, the study is restricted its application to teaching English at HPU.
Method of study
This graduation paper employs two primary research methods: quantitative and qualitative The quantitative method involves statistical analysis to identify common hand gestures used by American and Vietnamese individuals, as well as to assess the frequency and significance of hand gestures in communication among HPU students A survey questionnaire is utilized to gather insights into the habits and attitudes of HPU students regarding hand gesture usage In contrast, the qualitative method is applied to emphasize the overall importance of hand gestures in communication, specifically for HPU students.
Design of study
The study is divided into four main parts:
This article introduces the chosen topic by outlining its significance and relevance, followed by the study's primary aim and research question It also defines the scope of the study and details the methods employed to achieve the research objectives.
The second part of the article focuses on development and consists of three chapters The first chapter offers a theoretical background, equipping readers with essential knowledge about general nonverbal communication, particularly emphasizing the significance of hand gestures in everyday life.
This chapter explores the similarities and differences in common hand gestures between Vietnam and America, while also analyzing the usage and understanding of these gestures among HPU students.
The third chapter explores the role of hand gestures in English language teaching, highlighting their significance in enhancing communication and engagement The concluding section synthesizes the findings from earlier parts of the study, providing a comprehensive summary of the research insights.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Nonverbal Communication
According to Knapp (1972) non-verbal communication just demonstratesactions and expressions without using words, these meaningful things areshown Therefore, non-verbal communication describes
Non-verbal communication encompasses all forms of communication that go beyond spoken or written language While this description offers insight, it does not fully capture the complexity of non-verbal communication, leading to various interpretations by different authors.
Non-verbal communication, often referred to as the "silent" language, encompasses gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and conversational distance, as noted by Levine and Adelman (1993) While body language and certain aspects of environmental cues are highlighted, they do not provide a comprehensive understanding of non-verbal communication.
One more general viewed by Dwyer (2000) is that non-verbal communicationcovers all parts of a message that are not encoded by words; for example:voice, presence or gesture and motion
Nonverbal communication is the act of conveying messages without the use of words, encompassing various elements such as voice pitch, tone, speed, and volume, as well as gestures, facial expressions, body posture, stance, proximity to the listener, eye movements, and overall appearance.
According to fundamental information, nonverbal communication can be identified with the following categories: gesture, posture, eyes contact, paralaguage, facial expression, touching and space
Gestures can complement spoken language or be used independently in the absence of speech, involving movements of the face, arms, legs, and feet (McNeil, 1992).
In "Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures," Nguyen Quang defines gestures as the movements of arms, legs, and body that are used either independently or alongside words These gestures serve to emphasize or substitute for verbal communication, convey emotions and attitudes, and express thoughts effectively.
Gestures are powerful body actions that can convey meaning as effectively, if not more so, than verbal communication They play a crucial role in capturing the listener's attention and enriching our interactions Without gestures, our communication would lack vibrancy and dynamism, leaving the world feeling static and colorless.
Looking up the definition of posture in the Oxford Dictionary, we finds:
Posture refers to the position of a person's body while standing or sitting; however, this definition lacks scientific depth as it does not address the underlying mechanisms that influence posture.
Posture serves as a mirror of the various systems influenced by restricted functional patterns, as noted by Ron Hruska Jr., MPA, PT (2000) These patterns reveal our capacity or limitations in breathing, rotating, and achieving symmetrical rest.
However, in this paper, posture is defined roughly as body language and stance Posture can provide a significant amount of important information on nonverbal communication and emotional cues
We can describe different posture as formal, relaxed, rigid, defendsive, agressive, suggestive, sexy, slouched and awkard
Bad posture, such as slouching, jaw thrusting, and crossing arms, can reveal negative feelings and attitudes toward others In contrast, good posture—characterized by standing upright and leaning slightly forward—signals approachability, receptiveness, and friendliness.
Most of dictionaries showed that eyes contact occurs when two people look at each other's eyes at the same time
According to the author of Evenesis Blogs, eye contact plays a crucial role in communication, serving as a vital form of body language Beyond verbal communication, our body language significantly influences how we present ourselves and interact with others In fact, nonverbal cues often convey more than spoken words, accounting for a substantial portion of our overall communication skills Thus, the way we use our eyes can reveal a great deal about us and our communication style.
In conclusion, this graduation paper emphasizes that eye contact is a crucial form of nonverbal communication significantly shaped by social behavior It highlights how our eyes can convey the attitudes of our communication partners, enhancing understanding in interpersonal interactions.
People often avoid direct eye contact when they have something to conceal, a behavior that law enforcement observes to assess truthfulness Conversely, maintaining eye contact can indicate interest and attentiveness, particularly towards someone we are attracted to.
Facial expressions consist of various movements or positions of facial muscles that communicate an individual's emotional state to others As a vital form of nonverbal communication, they play a key role in conveying social information among humans and are also observed in many mammals and some other animal species.
Human faces are highly expressive, conveying a wide range of emotions through movements of the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth Emotions like anger, happiness, confusion, and boredom can be easily communicated through facial expressions.
Touch is a crucial form of nonverbal communication that significantly impacts development, particularly in infancy and early childhood Research, including Harry Harlow's renowned monkey study, highlights that a lack of touch and contact can hinder emotional and social development Baby monkeys raised by wire mothers exhibited lasting behavioral and social deficits Furthermore, touch serves as a powerful means to convey emotions such as affection, familiarity, and sympathy.
Common hand gestures used by Vietnamese and American people
Non-verbal communication is crucial in both Vietnamese and American cultures, serving to complement and strengthen verbal messages or even act as a replacement for spoken words.
A survey conducted among students from the English Department at Hai Phong Private University revealed several common hand gestures shared between Vietnam and America, including the handshake, thumbs up, thumbs down, V sign, pointing finger, crossed fingers, and finger snapping.
However, with the own cultures in different countries, we may find both similarities and differences in the meaning of hand gestures used by Vietnamese and American people
The handshake, a gesture with origins dating back thousands of years, is believed to have started as a sign of peaceful intentions, allowing individuals to demonstrate they were unarmed and harboring no ill will Some theories suggest that the up-and-down motion of the handshake was intended to dislodge hidden weapons, while others view it as a symbol of good faith in making oaths or promises Historian Walter Burkert emphasized that while agreements can be articulated verbally, their true significance is reinforced through the ritual of a handshake, representing a sacred bond between individuals.
Source:https://www.morganmckinley.com.au/article/all-important-first- handshake
A handshake is a universally recognized greeting or farewell ritual where two individuals clasp hands, typically accompanied by a quick up-and-down motion.
In Western cultures, particularly in America, a handshake serves as a universal symbol of greeting in both everyday interactions and business settings It is widely regarded as the most effective way to connect with strangers and establish mutual understanding Additionally, handshakes represent unity; in business and politics, powerful handshakes are often exchanged to convey welcome and trust in professional relationships.
In Vietnam, greetings typically involve a slight bow with hands joined, although in larger cities, some men have embraced the Western handshake While Vietnamese women usually do not shake hands with one another or with veterans, this practice is acceptable between a Vietnamese woman and a non-Vietnamese man Additionally, it is customary to avoid handshakes with seniors or individuals of higher rank However, in urban areas, younger generations are more inclined to shake hands When bidding farewell, Vietnamese individuals may either shake hands or bow slightly, and when greeting someone in authority, it is respectful to clasp both hands.
We have some different type of hand shake such as: the dead fish, the bone-crusher, the two handed-shake and the right handshake
The "sloppy dishcloth" handshake, often associated with weak character and insincerity, is characterized by a lack of commitment and a cold demeanor In Vietnam, this type of handshake is common, but it can be perceived as disrespectful or offensive in America, especially when accompanied by sweaty hands, which further enhances the negative impression.
Source photo: https://www.director.co.uk/7497-news-what-your-handshake- says-28-june-2015/
The bone-crusher handshake, characterized by one person squeezing the other's hand firmly enough to elicit discomfort, is often perceived as an intimidating gesture While not typically intended as a test of strength, this handshake is commonly observed in male interactions in Vietnam.
Source photo: http://profimpressions.com/blog/5-worst-business-handshakes- business-etiquette/
The two-handed handshake involves grasping one hand of another person and placing the other hand on top, creating a comforting enclosure Commonly used by politicians, this gesture conveys warmth, friendliness, honesty, and trustworthiness However, it is advisable to avoid this handshake in business settings unless you are certain the other person understands its significance.
Source photo: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-image- professor/200912/got-handshake-the-silent-communicator
The iconic thumbs-up and thumbs-down gestures, widely recognized today, trace their origins to ancient Rome's gladiatorial contests, where the crowd's gestures determined the fate of defeated fighters, symbolizing approval and disapproval.
According to Anthony Corbeill, a Latin professor at the University of Virginia, we lack videotapes from ancient times and mostly rely on verbal and sculptural references to understand gestures He notes that in ancient Rome, the gesture for "sparing" involved pressing the thumb to the top of the fist, while "death" was signified by a thumbs-up, illustrating that these meanings are often the opposite of contemporary interpretations.
The historical ambiguity surrounding the thumb-pressing gesture highlights the challenges in tracing the evolution of body language The Latin phrase "pollices premere," meaning "press your thumbs," was noted by Pliny the Elder as a common sign of good wishes However, the term "premere" in Latin is as ambiguous as the English word "press," allowing for interpretations where a thumb can either press or be pressed.
The thumbs-up gesture, historically linked to the kill signal, is supported by the concept of the infestus pollex, or hostile thumb, which is referenced in ancient texts but not visually depicted According to Corbeill, the thumb served as a symbol of hostility akin to the middle finger, representing a threat even in ancient times Notably, poetry from that era illustrates crowds using an unfriendly thumb gesture towards gladiators, further reinforcing the association between the upturned thumb and negative connotations.
Over the years, the thumbs-up gesture has been primarily associated with Latin, where the extended thumb was often interpreted as a sign of disapproval, as noted by the Oxford English Dictionary From the 1600s to the early 1900s, the symbolism of the thumb was largely divided into two meanings: a thumb pointing up signified death, while a thumb pointing down represented life.
The thumb raised upwards, with the other fingers curled inwards is universally acknowledged as a gesture indicating "well done" or "things are great"
The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of
In Vietnam, we have same meaning with thumbs up sign We can use it to my friends, my family or anyone who deservedly have a compliment
A thumbs up sign is a versatile gesture used to express approval or agreement, whether you’re complimenting a friend's stylish outfit or endorsing someone's opinion Additionally, this positive signal can be applied to non-human subjects, such as indicating enjoyment of delicious food or a great movie.
Thus, in Vietnam and America, thumbs up is the approval, the acceptance and the compliment
The thumbs down sign obviously means the opposite of a thumbs up sign
The use of the commnon hand gestures of the student in HPU
A survey was conducted with 60 students from the English Department at HaiPhong Private University, aged 19 to 23, to examine the use of common hand gestures in communication This graduation paper presents the survey results, highlighting the frequency and meanings of various hand gestures utilized by the students.
2.1.1.The importance, frenquency and objects of using hand gesture of students of English Department of HaiPhong Private University
Handshake Pointing finger Finger Snapping V Sign OK Sign Devil Horn Thumbs Up Thums DownCrossed Fingers
Frequency of using common hand gestures of students of English Department of HaiPhong Private
Students of English Department of HPU
HaiPhong Private Universityis the location where a survey is completed
The chart illustrates the attitudes and interest in hand gestures among students in the English Department at HaiPhong Private University It reveals that a significant number of students overlook the importance of hand gestures, relying primarily on verbal communication Many students responded negatively when asked about their understanding of hand gestures, indicating a lack of awareness regarding their meanings and implications in daily conversations Instead, their use of hand gestures often stems from imitating behaviors or symbols they have encountered in movies or on social media.
The second chart illustrates the frequency of hand gestures among English Department students at HPU, highlighting that the most commonly used gestures include thumbs up, thumbs down, crossed fingers, finger snapping, pointing finger, V sign, and handshake.
According to recent data, the thumbs up gesture is the most popular among students, utilized by 88%, followed by finger snapping at 70% Other notable gestures include crossed fingers at 67%, thumbs down at 48%, pointing finger at 42%, and the V sign at 40% Less frequently used gestures are the handshake at 13%, the OK sign at 10%, and the devil horn, which is used by only 2%.
With less use hand gesture in daily life communication because most of students of English Department of HPU don’t understand the importance and
Do you think hand gesture is important? (%)
The data indicates that nearly all students utilize hand gestures when interacting with peers of the same age or social rank, as they feel more comfortable doing so In contrast, these gestures are rarely employed in communication with family members, teachers, or individuals of higher status, primarily due to a lack of understanding of their significance Furthermore, in Vietnamese culture, relying solely on gestures without verbal communication is viewed as impolite and disrespectful towards elders and those in higher social positions.
The third chart indicates that the use of hand gestures among foreigners and Vietnamese individuals is nearly equal While opportunities to interact with foreigners are not common in everyday life, students tend to use hand gestures more frequently when communicating with foreigners than with their Vietnamese peers This is largely because foreigners, including foreign teachers, often take the initiative to incorporate hand gestures into their communication As a result, students feel more at ease using gestures with foreigners Additionally, when students struggle to find the right English words, they often resort to hand gestures to convey their messages.
2.2.The way to using hand gesture in communication of students of English
Students in the English Department of HPU occasionally misinterpret the meanings of common hand gestures used in everyday life, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding of non-verbal communication.
Students in the English Department at HPU often utilize handshakes as a vital form of communication This gesture serves as a bridge connecting individuals, playing a crucial role in both everyday interactions and business environments.
Many students overlook the significance of a handshake, often believing it is only appropriate for first-time meetings This common greeting not only conveys a sense of belief and welcome but also fosters an atmosphere conducive to building positive relationships Rather than simply smiling, a handshake offers a more tangible expression of openness and friendliness.
Many students perceive a handshake as a formal greeting appropriate only for older individuals or those in higher positions, viewing it as a respectful way to greet bosses, significant partners, or elder acquaintances In contrast, when interacting with friends or younger individuals, they often opt for casual greetings like saying hello, smiling, or playfully tapping a friend's shoulder to express their close relationship.
Only 12% of students believe that a handshake is appropriate for any occasion, person, or location They view it as the universal greeting suitable for everyone around the globe This gesture is consistent across cultures and carries a singular meaning: greeting.
Thumbs up is the most often used hand gestures of students in HPU This gesture is known to have the meaning of the approval, the acceptance and the compliment
Most of students use this hand gesture in daily communication with friends However, the students use thumbs up with similar meaning to the button
On social media platforms like Facebook, users often express their approval or enjoyment by clicking the "like" button on posts, images, or topics At HPU, students similarly utilize the thumbs-up gesture to convey their appreciation or agreement For instance, when they hear someone share something they enjoy or find uplifting, they respond with a thumbs-up to indicate their positive feelings.
Many students express compliments through a thumbs-up gesture instead of verbal praise For instance, when they admire someone's stylish outfit or a new item, they may choose a thumbs-up to convey their approval, opting for nonverbal communication over phrases like "Your outfit is very nice" or "You look charming in that suit."
Students often use a thumbs-up gesture to indicate their agreement or approval during group discussions or learning activities This simple hand sign effectively conveys support for someone's idea or opinion.
Unlike the positive connotation of a thumbs up, a thumbs down signifies disapproval or a negative assessment It represents failure or dissatisfaction with something or someone.
IMPLICATION
Difficulities in communication
Through the similar and difference of using hand gestures between Vietnam and America, I realize some difficulities in using hand gestures in communication
With the similar between Vietnam and America in using hand gestures in communication, it can be the advantage that connect people from different culture to closeknit and open relationship
Cultural differences in hand gestures can lead to misunderstandings in conversations, potentially resulting in communication breakdowns and damaging relationships.
The challenges faced by students in the English Department of HaiPhong Private University stem from a lack of understanding regarding the use of hand gestures My survey reveals that many students do not recognize the significance of hand gestures in communication These gestures are essential for conveying main points quickly and facilitating smoother conversations Without this understanding, students may become passive communicators, leading to difficulties in discussions.
For example, hand shake is one of the most common hand gestures is used in the whole world This gestures is the general greeting that suitable for anyone
In the future, students will have opportunities to work for major companies, including international firms A firm handshake during an interview fosters a sense of openness and comfort, which can positively influence the interviewer's perception of your confidence Conversely, passive hand gestures may hinder the interview process and diminish the interviewer's trust in you Additionally, effective hand gestures serve as a vital connection between colleagues and external partners, enhancing relationships within the company and the broader community.
Misunderstandings related to hand gestures and cultural differences can hinder effective communication Students in the English Department at HPU will have opportunities to engage with foreigners in professional settings or study abroad, which may lead to potential communication challenges and, in some cases, conversation breakdowns.
In American culture, crossing fingers is a symbol of good luck, yet 95% of English Department students at HPU are unaware of this meaning Instead, they associate the gesture with profanity, leading to potential misunderstandings and offense if foreigners use it in conversation This lack of awareness can result in a complete breakdown of communication.
Using hand gestures incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings in conversations For instance, while snapping fingers may signify a request for payment in some cultures, in Vietnam, it is deemed appropriate only among friends or peers Employing this gesture towards someone of higher status or an elder can be perceived as disrespectful and impolite, highlighting the importance of cultural context in communication.
In American culture, using a pointing finger can convey a compliment or encouragement, such as saying "you're cool." This gesture is sometimes adopted in Vietnam, particularly among men, to celebrate achievements like scoring a goal in football or recognizing someone's success However, it is important to note that in many everyday situations, pointing can be considered impolite, and it is especially inappropriate to point at someone older or in a higher position.
Implication in teaching Hand gestures in HPU
Teachers at HPU should enhance their understanding of hand gestures and their significance in communication Hand gestures play a crucial role in teaching, as they help convey information smoothly and enable students to grasp key points quickly Additionally, as English teachers at one of the largest universities in Hai Phong, HPU educators have the opportunity to interact with foreigners Effective use of hand gestures not only fosters better conversations but also creates a positive impression of both the teachers and HPU itself.
Teachers at HaiPhong Private University should educate students on the significance of common hand gestures and their varying meanings across different cultures, especially as many English Department students prepare to study abroad A solid understanding of cultural nuances, including communication styles, is crucial to prevent culture shock, which can lead to difficulties and even cause some students to return to Vietnam prematurely By providing knowledge about hand gestures, educators can equip students with the fundamental skills needed to navigate social interactions smoothly in foreign countries, ultimately facilitating better integration and enhancing their overall experience abroad.
Teachers play a crucial role in teaching students the appropriate use of hand gestures in various situations, ensuring they communicate effectively with the right people at the right time With opportunities to work for foreign companies in Vietnam, students must understand and apply hand gestures correctly to foster positive relationships with colleagues and superiors This knowledge not only enhances workplace interactions but also helps prevent misunderstandings and potential offenses, contributing to successful conversations in a professional environment.
Recapitulation
In conclusion, hand gestures are essential for effective daily communication, transcending language barriers This graduation paper offers valuable insights and data, equipping readers with the knowledge to enhance their communication skills and foster positive interactions in future work environments.
The graduation paper is structured into three main parts Part I introduces the research, outlining the rationale, aims, research questions, scope, method, and study design Part II comprises three chapters: the first chapter provides a theoretical background on non-verbal communication; the second chapter compares hand gesture usage between Vietnam and America, particularly among students at HaiPhong Private University, highlighting cultural differences and presenting survey data on students' behaviors and misconceptions in hand gesture communication; the final chapter analyzes communication difficulties related to hand gestures and their implications for English language teaching at HPU, emphasizing students' mistakes and the teachers' role in instruction Part III offers a comprehensive overview of the study.
Reccomendations
In the future, students from the English Department at Hai Phong Private University will have opportunities to work in foreign companies Utilizing hand gestures can enhance communication with international colleagues, especially for those students who may not be proficient in English These gestures can effectively convey their ideas and emotions, bridging language barriers in the workplace.
Students in the English Department of HaiPhong Private University should adopt a serious attitude towards the use of hand gestures in communication Additionally, it is important for them to explore the meanings and cultural differences associated with hand gestures to enhance their communication skills effectively.
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APPENDIX CÂU HỎI KHẢO SÁT Survey Question for student of English Department in HPU
Xin chào quý vị, xin vui lòng dành chút thời gian quý báu để hoàn thiện bảng khảo sát dưới đây Xin lưu ý rằng không có câu trả lời nào đúng hay sai; tất cả các ý kiến đều có giá trị và rất cần thiết Chúng tôi cam kết giữ bí mật tuyệt đối về các ý kiến của quý vị.
Độ tuổi của Anh/ Chị thuộc nhóm nào?
II.CÂU HỎI KHẢO SÁT
1.Do you think hand gestures is important in communication?
2.Do you care about using hand gestures in communication?
3.How often you do use hand gestures in communication?
4.Do you usually use hand gestures to foreign people or Vietnamese people? A.Yes, I do it to foreign people
B.Yes, I do it to Vietnamese people
C.Yes, I do it to both
D.No, I never do it to either of them
5.To whom do you often use hand gestures in communication?
6.What is popular hand gesture in Vietnam and American?
7.What do you think about meaning of V Sign gesture?
8.When do you use handshake?
A.When you meet someone in the firstime
B.When you meet a person who is older or have higher rank
Explain why you choose A, B, C or D
9.What is meaning of crossed fingers in Vietnamese?
Explain why you choose A, B, C or D
10.Should you use “pointing finger” to other people in Vietnamese?
Explain why you choose A or B
11.What is meaning of “finger snapping”?
Explain why you choose A or B
12.“OK sign” is the same in Vietnam and America?