Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures

Course: Multicultural Psychology

Length: 2-3 pages

Format: APA 7th Edition

Total Points: 25

Assignment Description

Nonverbal communicationincluding gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and personal spacevaries significantly across cultures and plays a central role in conveying meaning, emotion, and social norms. In this assignment, you will explore the role of nonverbal communication in shaping cross-cultural interactions.

Drawing on video resources, course readings, and lectures, you will analyze how specific nonverbal behaviors differ across cultures, identify how these norms manifest in your own cultural background, and reflect on how these insights might influence your personal and professional interactions in diverse settings.

Assignment Instructions

Part I: Summary and Analysis of Video Content

Watch one or both assigned videos on nonverbal communication and culture.

Provide a concise summary of the main points discussed in the video(s).

Highlight at least three types of nonverbal communication featured (e.g., eye contact, hand gestures, posture, proxemics, facial expressions).

Explain how these behaviors differ across cultural groups, and provide specific examples.

Part II: Personal Cultural Reflection

Describe the nonverbal norms and behaviors typical of your own cultural background.

Which aspects from the videos align or conflict with your cultural experience?

Reflect on a personal or observed experience where a cultural difference in nonverbal communication led to misunderstanding, discomfort, or insight.

Part III: Application of Course Concepts

Apply at least three key concepts or theories from the course readings/lectures (e.g., Halls High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication, cultural display rules, Hofstedes cultural dimensions, or emic vs. etic perspectives).

Use these concepts to interpret the cultural patterns of nonverbal behavior discussed in the videos and your own analysis.

Briefly discuss the implications for human services or helping professionswhy is it important to understand nonverbal cues in a multicultural context?

Formatting and Sources

Use APA 7th edition style (title page, in-text citations, reference page).

Incorporate at least two scholarly sources, which may include course readings.

Submit in a Word or PDF format with clear headings for each section.

Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures Grading Rubric

Total Points: 25

Criteria

Excellent

Proficient

Developing

Needs Improvement

Points

Part I: Summary & Analysis of Video Content (6 pts)

Clear, accurate summary; explains at least three nonverbal behaviors with strong cross-cultural examples

Adequate summary with some examples

Summary lacks depth or clarity

Incomplete or inaccurate summary

/6

Identification of Nonverbal Communication Types (4 pts)

Insightful discussion of multiple nonverbal behaviors and cultural meanings

Identifies behaviors with reasonable explanation

Mentions behaviors superficially

Minimal or inaccurate identification

/4

Part II: Personal Cultural Reflection (5 pts)

Thoughtful reflection clearly connected to cultural norms and video content

Clear reflection with limited depth

Reflection underdeveloped

Little or no personal reflection

/5

Part III: Application of Course Concepts/Theories (6 pts)

Effectively applies at least three course concepts or theories

Correct application with minor gaps

Weak integration of concepts

Concepts missing or inaccurate

/6

Implications for Human Services / Helping Professions (2 pts)

Clearly explains importance of nonverbal cues in multicultural practice

General discussion of implications

Brief or vague mention

No meaningful discussion

/2

Organization, APA Format & Sources (2 pts)

Clear organization, correct APA 7, and 2+ scholarly sources

Minor APA or organization errors

APA inconsistencies or weak organization

Poor formatting or missing sources

/2

Suggested Grading Scale:

2325 = Excellent

2022 = Good

1719 = Satisfactory

1416 = Needs Improvement

Below 14 = Unsatisfactory

(Due February 16)